Alcohol and Prescription Drugs
ALCOHOL COMBINED WITH …. CAN CAUSE ….
Sleeping medications (e.g., Halcion, Dalmane, Ambien)
Tranquilizers (e.g., Xanax, Valium, Ativan) Excessive drowsiness,
Anti-depressants (e.g., Elavil, Tofranil) Impaired coordination, mental
Pain relievers (e.g., Percodan, codeine confusion, rapid intoxication, and
Some muscle relaxants (e.g., Robaxin, Soma) loss of consciousness, impaired
Antihistamines (e.g., Chlor-Trimeton, Benadryl) breathing.
Motion-sickness pills (e.g., Dramamine) Can be fatal.
Allergy medications (e.g., Contac, Dristan)
Some cough / cold products
Some high-blood-pressure medications (e.g., Aldomett)
Anti-anginal medication (e.g., Isordil, nitroglycerin) Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness,
Some high-blood-pressure medications (e.g., Minipress, loss of consciousness, falls that
Apresoline, diuretics) could result in physical injury.
Aspirin
Anti-arthritic medications (e.g., Feldene, Naprosyn, Increase in stomach irritation,
ibuprofen) possible increase in stomach
Potassium tablets bleeding.
Blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin)
Flagyl Can cause Antabuse-like reaction
Oral anti-diabetic medications (e.g., Orinase) (weakness, headache, nausea /
Some anti-fungal and antibiotic agents (e.g., vomiting, flushing, rapid heart-beat,
Chloromycetin) difficulty breathing).
Blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin) Interference with control of certain
Anti-diabetic medications (e.g., Micronase, insulin) medical conditions (diabetes,
Epilepsy medication (e.g., Dilantin) epilepsy, gout).
Gout medications (e.g., Zyloprim) Can cause change in effectiveness
of drug treatment.
Reprinted with Permission of SRX-Medication Education For Seniors Program of San Francisco
Health Department Office of Senior Health Services.
Family Caregiver Education Program of Area Agencies on Aging
and Aging and Disability Resource Centers