When you or a loved one is taking a prescription medication or is using a drug of any kind, it is important to understand all of the risks associated with the substance. In particular, drug interactions may increase the risks when you consume more than one substance. Some substances can increase the side effects of the other drug, which can result in an accidental overdose.
Why Overdoses Occur
There are a few ways that an overdose can occur, but the most common factor is taking a dosage that is too high for the individual’s body. When you or a loved one exhibits signs of an overdose, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Along with the risk of taking a dosage that is not appropriate, Scientific American explains that combining substances can be very dangerous. Depending on the substances that are combined, it may increase the likelihood of experiencing a specific side effect in one of the substances. In particular, combining alcohol with certain substances can result in an accidental overdose because the alcohol may increase certain effects, like respiratory depression or dizziness.
An overdose is not always related to substance misuse or intentional actions. It may relate to an interaction between two substances, even when a loved one is taking the substance in as prescribed. Generally, it is best to talk to a medical professional about any over-the-counter medications that you or a loved one uses when a new medication is being prescribed.
Alcohol and Sedatives
According to the Santa Clara University, alcohol should never be combined with any sedatives because it can have a dangerous effect. A sedative is not always a sleep medication, but it may include medications that help with sleep. It can also include certain pain relievers or anti-anxiety medications.
The reason that alcohol should not be combined with sedatives is that it increases the sedative effect. Santa Clara University explains that both substances are sedatives and cause drowsiness and lethargy. When they are combined, it can result in an overdose due to the combined impact of the medication and alcohol.
Stimulant Drugs and Alcohol
According to Psych Central, it is as dangerous to combine alcohol with stimulants as it is to combine the substance with sedatives due to the potential risk of alcohol overdose. The way that stimulants impact alcohol is different from the impact of alcohol on a sedative. Instead of increasing the effect, it causes the individual to feel that they are not drunk.
When the effects of alcohol seem to be decreased, the individual may drink more than their body can process. Depending on the amount of alcohol that the individual drinks, it may result in alcohol poisoning.
Cholesterol Control Medications and Niacin
Although Niacin is a vitamin supplement that can be purchased over-the-counter, it should not be combined with medications that help control cholesterol and blood pressure. The reason is that it will have a negative impact on the side effects associated with the medication and it can cause complications when the body is trying to process the medication.
Individuals who combine substances can find that the kidneys become damaged and the body has difficulty removing toxins. The damage can occur shortly after the substances are combined and it may result in overdose symptoms from the medication.
There are substances that should never be combined due to the possibility of increasing side effects and causing an overdose. Even when substances are used appropriately, there are risks when more than one medication is used at the same time. If you or a loved one is taking a new medication, then keep your doctor informed about any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or prescriptions that you take. You should also discuss the risks associated with alcohol.
Source
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/mixing-alcohol-prescription-drugs-result-addiction-accidental-death/
http://www.scu.edu/wellness/topics/alcohol/mixingalcohol.cfm
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/addiction-recovery/2012/04/7-deadliest-drug-combinations/
Connect with us
Facebook
Twitter
Google +1
LinkedIn