When an individual uses more than one drug at a particular time, there is a possibility that he or she will have interactions that are potentially dangerous. Although a slow reaction time may not seem dangerous at first, it can mean that you or a loved one will have a higher risk of getting into an accident. Furthermore, interactions can be a sign of other health concerns that may be worsened when the substances interact.
What is a Drug Interaction?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, drug interactions refer to the ways that different medications, drugs, and substances can influence each other. In some cases, it may mean that certain effects are reduced. In other situations, an interaction may cause certain side effects to get worse.
The exact effects can vary between substances; however, many drugs can cause slow reaction times, drowsiness, or similar side effects when they are combined with other substances. Having some idea of the substances that can cause a slower reaction time can help determine if there is a possibility of complications.
Sleep Medications and Allergy Medications
When you are taking an anti-histamine medication, it is wise to avoid any sleep medications. According to the Food and Drug Administration, combining the medications can cause severe interactions that are potentially dangerous.
Although sleepiness and dizziness are common reactions when the substances interact, the FDA explains that mixing sleep medications with any allergy medications can cause slower reaction times. Depending on the substance, the exact impact on your reaction times may vary; however, it is not wise to drive if either substance was taken.
The drowsiness can further slowdown reaction times and make it hard to focus. The FDA recommends that individuals do not use heavy machinery of any type while using the medications or when the interactions occur.
Pain Relievers and Alcohol
As a general rule, it is best to avoid mixing alcohol with any medication because the possibility of an interaction is very high. The FDA explains that alcohol can increase the effects of certain medications and can increase drowsiness.
In the case of prescription pain relievers, the medication will already slow down reaction times and cause drowsiness in many individuals. When the side effects interact with alcohol, reaction times can become very slow and the risk of an accident is very high.
The News Sentinel explains that a key reason that older individuals can get into accidents in a car is related to the medications that they take and the physical changes that occur as a result of aging. Taking pain relievers for arthritis or other health concerns may reduce the discomfort, but it can also mean that an older individual will have much slower reaction times. Alcohol can make the situation worse and increases the risks associated with driving.
Cold Medications and Other Drugs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration explains that certain medications that are used for colds and flus can cause slow reaction times, poor coordination, drowsiness, and similar effects. Since the medication may include a pain reliever as well as anti-histamine ingredients, the possibility of an interaction may be high.
It is wise to avoid any drugs or alcohol when you or a loved one has taken an over-the-counter flu or cold medication due to the possible effects. Cold medications and anti-histamines can severely impact the ability to track objects or react quickly to sudden stimulus, explains the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, so it is important to avoid any combination of substances with a cold or flu medication.
Interactions between different drugs and substances can be very dangerous. A slow reaction time, in particular, has a high risk of accidents and injuries when compared to other substances. Having an idea of the substances that may interact can help reduce the risks and ensure that you or a loved one will not face severe consequences.
Source
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/ucm163354.htm
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140505/NEWS/140509866
http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/research/job185drugs/diphenhydramine.htm
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