Can you drink while taking certain medication?!
Can you drink while taking certain medication?
First of all, I was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 13. Since then I have switched off between several medications, all of which have clearly stated, "Do not consume alcohol while on this medication". Currently, I am taking naproxen pills and methotroxate injections.
Now, I know this is going to seem like a really stupid question because it is answered on the bottle, but can I consume any alcohol on medication? I'm in college and yes, the temptation to try it is there, but it's not worth risking my life. I just don't want to not be able to drink alcohol at all. I'd at least like to try a bit and experiment.
Answers:
If the bottle says not to drink than you really shouldn't. It's kind of like the sign on the freeway onramp that has an arrow showing the curve and a speed limit. Its there because there have been studies showing that you are likely to lose control of your vehicle if you exceed the speed limit.
If you drink while taking the medication you are likely to suffer an adverse reaction. You may not realize it when it happens as it may be internal.
If you're THAT tempted I would suggest speaking with your doctor to see if you can switch to a medication that is safe to have a drink on occassion.
Also, ask your doc what the damage will be if you do drink. A lot of times its an issue of damaging your liver.
Good luck
The bottled should really tell you what side-effects it will cause, so that if you get tempted you will know what you are getting into. But I won't rant about that. The point is, if you don't know what it will do, don't try it. I'm on medications that react adversely to alcohol myself, as well as grapefruit juice (and I love grapefruit!!), and I know it's hard to go along with the guidelines. I don't know what the consequences would be for you, but for me it'd be something like passing out due to a massive panic attack. Not something to risk. Talk to your doctor.
Go to the Pharmaceutics's website of each medication in questions. Search for alcohol effects on that particular medication. Or go to any local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist what are the effects of alcohol on a particular medication. They will provide a print out. Sometimes the effects of alcohol is minor, sometime it is deadly. In the case of some antibiotics alcohol weakens it's purpose.
With Naproxen you are risking a bleeding ulcer, not just one but many small ones in the stomach.
I used to take naproxen to avoid hangovers. I went to the doctor for a check up and through routine blood work found out just in time that my liver was shutting down.
Now back then I was more than just a casual drinker and I took naproxen every night I drank. I had to quit drinking in order for my liver to recover. The doctor blamed the drinking mixed with naproxen for having such a quick effect on the liver.
It's not worth it. I watched a good friend die from liver disease.
Stay safe.
Bad idea! Alcohol should never be taken with medication, it disrupts the pharmaceutic effect. The only acceptable combination with oral medication is water.
Alcohol may even destroy some of the chemical component of the medication and render it less or even worse, ineffective. Sometimes, the result could even lead to toxicity. So don't even think about it.
Talk to your Doctor and he can advise you of the risks or not...
If you have to ask and the warning labels are on the bottle,then i think you got a problem.Sure you have don't a drinking problem now?
Hmmmmmmmmmmm
think bout it.