“Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.”
You’ve probably seen this warning label on medication you’ve taken, and the label doesn’t lie.
Alcohol and prescription drugs don’t mix.
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Even the combination of alcohol and over-the-counter medications can lead to severe health problems.
If you take prescription painkillers regularly, you risk a dangerous drug interaction every time you drink alcohol.
It can also mask, or in some cases worsen serious medication side effects.
Women are more prone to dangerous drug interactions, liver damage, and other alcohol-induced health issues than men.
The elderly are also at risk.
Because the body’s ability to break down alcohol worsens with age, alcohol stays in the body longer.
Older people are also more likely to be prescribed medication that interacts with alcohol in the first place.
Is it bad to have a drink from time to time if you have chronic pain?
As long as you are not taking medications that interact with alcohol, probably not.
However, moderate to heavy drinkers should definitely consider breaking the habit.
It’s important to understand the very real possibility of a reaction.
It’s not worth the risk.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Women and Alcohol.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.Alcohol’s Effects on the Body.
