19/09/2025
*Drugs You Must Not Take With Alcohol*
Certain medications can interact dangerously with alcohol, potentially causing severe side effects or reducing the drug’s effectiveness. Key categories of drugs that should not be combined with alcohol include:
1. Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Increases the risk of liver damage.
• Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) – Can increase stomach irritation and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Opioids (e.g., Codeine, Oxycodone, Morphine) – Combining with alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, or even overdose.
2. Antidepressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications
• SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, Sertraline) – Alcohol may worsen depression symptoms and increase drowsiness.
• Benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam) – Alcohol can dangerously amplify sedative effects, leading to impaired breathing and potential overdose.
3. Sleep Aids and Sedatives
• Zolpidem (Ambien), Eszopiclone (Lunesta) – Alcohol enhances drowsiness and impairs coordination, increasing the risk of accidents.
4. Antibiotics
• Metronidazole (Flagyl), Tinidazole – Can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and rapid heart rate when combined with alcohol.
• Linezolid – Alcohol may increase blood pressure dangerously.
5. Diabetes Medications
• Insulin, Metformin, Sulfonylureas – Alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low or spike unpredictably.
6. Cardiovascular Medications
• Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Propranolol) – Alcohol can enhance dizziness and fainting.
• Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin) – Alcohol increases the risk of internal bleeding.
7. Antipsychotic Medications
• Risperidone, Quetiapine – Alcohol can intensify side effects like sedation and confusion.
8. Allergy and Cold Medications
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), Loratadine (Claritin) – Alcohol can increase drowsiness and impair coordination.
9. Muscle Relaxants
• Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Baclofen –