Alcohol Warning Labels

We've all seen the warnings, labels on prescription bottles telling us not to mix the pills with alcohol. The warnings tell us that alcohol may blunt or enhance or nullify the effect of prescription drugs.

But what if bad mix alcohol with drugs common? What, really, can go wrong? "The nausea and vomiting, headache, drowsiness, unconsciousness, or loss of coordination," according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). "It can also put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems and breathing difficulties. In addition to these dangers, alcohol can make a drug less effective or even useless, or it may make the medication harmful or toxic to your body. "

The NIAAA reminds consumers that certain medicines, such as cough syrup cons and laxatives, may contain up to 10 per cent alcohol to begin with. In addition, the elderly are particularly at risk because the body breaks down alcohol more slowly with age. Women are also at high risk of drug interactions alcohol, since the blood - alcohol level is generally higher among women than men after drinking the same amount of alcohol.

Finally, the NIAAA advises, "The timing is important. Alcohol and drugs can interact and harmful, even if they are not taken at the same time."

, A partial list of drug / alcohol reactions to the attached monitor, from the release of the NIAAA, "Harmful Interactions: mixing alcohol with drugs."

Possible reactions with alcohol:

- Angina: Isordil, nitroglycerin. rapid pulse, dizziness, fainting.

- Anxiety and Epilepsy: Librium, Valium, Xanax, etc. Increased risk of overdose, difficulty breathing, impaired motor control, memory problems.

- The formation of blood clots: Coumadin (warfarin). attacks, internal bleeding, beating heart.

- Depression: Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, etc. Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdose.

- Diabetes: Sugar Glucophage, Orinase, etc. abnormally low blood pressure, flushing reaction, nausea, vomiting.

- Arthritis: Celebrex, Naprosyn, Voltaren. liver problems ulcers, bleeding in the stomach.

- High blood pressure: Catapres, Cardura, Lopressor, etc. dizziness, fainting, arrhythmia.

- High Cholesterol Crestor, Lipitor, Pravachol, etc. Liver damage.

- Infections: Acrodantin, Flagyl Grisactin, Nizoral, Nydrazid, Seromycin, pain Tindamax: rapid heartbeat, stomach, vomiting, hot flashes.

- Severe pain: Demerol, Percocet, Vicodin, etc. Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdose, difficulty breathing, impaired motor control.

- Sleep problems: Ambien, Lunesta, Sominex, etc. Dizziness, difficulty breathing, impaired motor control, memory problems.

- The enlarged prostate: Cardura, Flomax, etc. dizziness, fainting.

And do not forget the herbs: Kava kava with alcohol can damage the liver, alcohol, with risks St. John's Wort dizziness and overdose. Chamomile, valerian and lavender increase drowsiness when mixed with alcohol.