| Alcohol-Drug Interactions |
| Drug | Prescribed Purpose | Interaction |
Anesthetics
(ex: Diprivan, Ethrane, Fluothane) | Administered prior to surgery to render a patient unconscious and insensitive to pain | - increased amount of drug required to induce loss of consciousness
- increased risk of liver damage |
| Antibiotics | Used to treat infectious diseases | - reduced drug effectiveness
- nausea/vomiting
- headache
- convulsions |
Antidepressants
(ex: Elavil) | Used to treat depression and other forms of mental illness | - increased sedative effects
- may decrease effectiveness of anti-depressant
- potential for dangerous rise in blood pressure |
| Antidiabetic medications | Used to help lower blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals | - reduced drug effectiveness
- nausea
- headache |
Antihistamines
(ex: Benadryl) | Used to treat allergic symptoms and insomnia | - intensified sedation
- excessive dizziness |
Antipsychotic medications
(ex: Thorazine) | Used to diminish psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations | - intensified sedation
- impaired coordination
- potentially fatal breathing difficulties |
Antiseizure medications
(ex: Dilantin) | Used to treat epilepsy | - decreased protection against seizures
- increased risk of drug-related side effects |
Antiulcer medications
(ex: Tagamet, Zantac) | Used to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems | - increased presence of drug ⇒ increased risk of side affects |
Cardiovascular medications
(ex: nitroglycerin, Apresoline, Ismelin, Inderal) | Wide variety of medications used to treat ailments of the heart and circulatory system | - extreme dizziness or fainting
- reduced drug effectiveness |
Narcotic pain relievers
(morphine, codeine, Darvon, Demerol) | Used to alleviate moderate to severe pain | - intensified sedation
- increased possibility of a fatal overdose |
Nonnarcotic pain relievers
(aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen | Used to alleviate mild to moderate pain | - increased risk of stomach bleeding
- increased risk of the inhibition of blood clotting
- increased effects of consumed alcohol
*acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken during or after drinking may significantly increase one's risk of liver damage |
Sedatives and hypnotics
(Valium, Dalmane, Ativan, sleeping pills) | Used to alleviate anxiety and insomnia | - severe drowsiness
- depressed cardiac and respiratory functions
- increased risk of coma or fatality |
