Interactions with other drugs

Alcohol interactions with other drugs

Alcohol is a drug that when taken in combination with other drugs – including medicines or illicit drugs, can lead to adverse effects. These occur because the two drugs interact in the body. Some individuals may choose to mix alcohol with other drugs whilst others may do so by accident or without knowledge of the risks. The effects on the body of mixing drugs (poly-drug use) can vary greatly across different people. The effects of mixing alcohol with other drugs can be unpredictable and dangerous.

What is a drug interaction?

It is when the effects of one drug alter the effects of another drug. The usual effects of a particular drug may become greater or lesser, or new effects may be seen. These may be unwanted or harmful. Alcohol may stop the benefits that some drugs – such as medicines, have on the body.

Interaction between Alcohol and Other Drugs:

Drug	Effects when mixed with Alcohol
Amphetamines	· Increases amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated (gives a false sense of sobriety) · Reduced coordination · Intensified come down
Anabolic Steroids	· Taking both together can upset the stomach
Aspirin	· Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding · Damage to stomach lining
Benzodiazepines	· Extreme central nervous system depression · Impaired coordination, reaction time and memory loss
Cannabis	· Decreased alertness, motor and cognitive abilities · Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified
Cocaine & Crack Cocaine	· Increases amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated (gives a false sense of sobriety) · Reduced coordination · Intensified come down · When mixed with alcohol create a new compound – cocaethylene, in the liver, which is associated with a greater risk of sudden death than in cocaine alone
Ecstasy	· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be prolonged
GHB / GBL	· Extreme central nervous system depression · Impaired coordination, reaction time and memory loss · Risk of overdose
Ketamine	· Increased risk of liver damage
LSD	· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified
Magic Mushrooms	· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified
Methadone, Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodon, Fentanyl, etc.	· Extreme central nervous system depression · Impaired coordination · Increased risk of respiratory depression (very low breathing rate) · High risk of overdose · Impairs gag reflex meaning an increased risk of choking if you vomit
Nitrates, poppers	· Extreme dizziness or fainting
Paracetamol	· Chronic alcoholics more at risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity)
Solvents	· Can experience transient facial reddening; similar to ‘hot flushes’

Medications

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if alcohol interacts with any medication you are taking. You can also read the information leaflet that comes with the medicine.
Don’t assume that a non-prescription medication is safer. Some common over-the-counter medicines like anti-histamines and painkillers can react with alcohol. Also check any possible interactions with herbal remedies.
Ask your doctor’s advice if you have used alcohol and medication in case it has stopped your medicine from working.
Know that some medications can stay in your system for a long time. The medicine may still interact with alcohol, even if you wait a while before you drink.
Take extra care as you get older. As we get older we are less efficient at breaking down alcohol so it stays in our system longer.
If you are unwell after taking alcohol and medication, make sure the person looking after you knows what you have taken, so you can be looked after properly.
Only take prescription medications when you need them and as your doctor prescribes.
Some medicines and herbal remedies may contain alcohol, which could put you over the legal drink driving limit. Check the labels so you know what you are taking.
Be aware that mixing alcohol and certain medications can impair your reactions and coordination, making it unsafe to drive or do other skilled tasks.