We’ve all had sleepless nights, but how do we get some shut-eye and also stay safe from dangerous interactions between alcohol and Lunesta? Find out more in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
One hundred … ninety-nine … ninety-eight … still awake? Did counting sheep not work to fall asleep for the 18th night in a row? You counted backwards from 300 only to have to start all over? Or could your lack of sleep have something to do with the drinks you had last night? Either way, there comes a point when sleepytime teas just aren't cutting it anymore, so we may try medications to help. Lunesta (or eszopiclone) is one such medication.
Insomnia can be insufferable. Lunesta treats some forms of insomnia, helping us not only fall asleep faster but stay asleep throughout the night. Lunesta works by balancing out chemicals in the brain, including GABA. Lunesta increases the receptivity of GABA in the brain, which produces a relaxing effect and improves our ability to sleep. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not a miracle drug, and it does come with side effects.
Let’s take a look at some of Lunesta’s side effects.
As if these side effects aren’t worrisome enough, adding alcohol makes them worse. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Is it safe to have a drink and then take Lunesta? Or have a drink the day after we took Lunesta? The answer is “no” to both. Lunesta stays in our system longer than we might think.
While we feel the effects of Lunesta for around eight hours, the half-life is six hours, and it’s fully out of our system in 24-48 hours. If we take it every day for a couple of weeks, however, there is always some lingering in our system, so we should avoid alcohol for at least a day or two after taking Lunesta.
But what happens exactly when we mix the two?
There’s only one way to say it: we should avoid alcohol at all costs before or while taking Lunesta. To start, alcohol depletes GABA in the brain, which counteracts the GABA-producing effects of Lunesta, compounding the side effects. Alcohol is also a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and mixing it with sedatives like Lunesta adds to these depressive effects. Let’s take a look at them.
On top of all that, mixing alcohol with Lunesta makes it more likely that the side effects will continue into the next day, sort of like a hangover.
In some cases, Lunesta can make us behave out of the ordinary. For example, we may act aggressively, be confused or agitated, and even have hallucinations. We may also feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts, especially if we’re prone to them. Adding alcohol to the mix only increases these risks.
As if the immediate side effects of mixing Lunesta and alcohol aren’t bad enough, it gets worse. The Lunesta-alcohol combo can wreak havoc on our mood and personality. Let’s take a look at what research has to say about this.
Lunesta is classified as a sedative — specifically, a hypnotic. Hypnotics in general must be taken with caution and only in the short term. Hypnotics like Lunesta can cause mood swings, personality changes, and even hallucinations. In severe cases, we can develop eszopiclone-induced psychosis, which researchers found in a man only a few months after undergoing insomnia treatment with Lunesta. It can also lead to hallucinations and aggressiveness that may be out of character.
Alcohol impairs the function of the prefrontal cortex, which can lead us to act angrily or aggressively if provoked. If we’re taking both substances, our risk of psychosis increases, and combined with the possibility of us doing things in our sleep, we run the risk of harming ourselves or others and not remembering a thing about it.
Another important reason to avoid mixing Lunesta and alcohol is that alcohol may be the cause of our sleep problems. Alcohol disrupts our sleep and worsens insomnia if we have it. Alcohol inhibits GABA, as well as other neurotransmitters that activate the “sleep” cells in our brain. On top of that, it disrupts the release of melatonin. It may help us fall asleep, but it causes poor sleep quality and affects our sleep-wake cycle, which is why we’re often wide awake at 3 a.m. after a night of drinking.
Many people don’t realize this about alcohol, and they blame their insomnia on other things, often using alcohol as a way to help them fall asleep. If you do suffer from insomnia, try quitting alcohol for a few weeks and see if your sleep quality improves. You may find you don’t need medication at all!
If you’re still suffering from insomnia, however, and Lunesta seems too risky for you, there are plenty of other ways to improve your sleep and wake up feeling more rested.
Are you considering other options for insomnia besides Lunesta? If you are, there are plenty of things you can do or medications you can take besides relying on sleeping pills:
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t take Lunesta, but if we do, we should be careful about how long we take it and with what.
Finally, if we decide to stick with Lunesta, here are some tips we can follow to stay safe:
Our health should be our priority, and that requires proper sleep. Get that right and you’ll have the energy to tackle whatever comes our way.
Remember, sleep is a requirement, not a luxury. No matter what’s keeping you up at night, alcohol won’t fix it. Those of us with chronic insomnia know how torturous it can feel, and long-term lack of sleep can create a poor quality of life all around. It’s time for you to prioritize your sleep above all else so you can enjoy your waking hours more fully.
One hundred … ninety-nine … ninety-eight … still awake? Did counting sheep not work to fall asleep for the 18th night in a row? You counted backwards from 300 only to have to start all over? Or could your lack of sleep have something to do with the drinks you had last night? Either way, there comes a point when sleepytime teas just aren't cutting it anymore, so we may try medications to help. Lunesta (or eszopiclone) is one such medication.
Insomnia can be insufferable. Lunesta treats some forms of insomnia, helping us not only fall asleep faster but stay asleep throughout the night. Lunesta works by balancing out chemicals in the brain, including GABA. Lunesta increases the receptivity of GABA in the brain, which produces a relaxing effect and improves our ability to sleep. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not a miracle drug, and it does come with side effects.
Let’s take a look at some of Lunesta’s side effects.
As if these side effects aren’t worrisome enough, adding alcohol makes them worse. Let’s take a closer look at why.
Is it safe to have a drink and then take Lunesta? Or have a drink the day after we took Lunesta? The answer is “no” to both. Lunesta stays in our system longer than we might think.
While we feel the effects of Lunesta for around eight hours, the half-life is six hours, and it’s fully out of our system in 24-48 hours. If we take it every day for a couple of weeks, however, there is always some lingering in our system, so we should avoid alcohol for at least a day or two after taking Lunesta.
But what happens exactly when we mix the two?
There’s only one way to say it: we should avoid alcohol at all costs before or while taking Lunesta. To start, alcohol depletes GABA in the brain, which counteracts the GABA-producing effects of Lunesta, compounding the side effects. Alcohol is also a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, and mixing it with sedatives like Lunesta adds to these depressive effects. Let’s take a look at them.
On top of all that, mixing alcohol with Lunesta makes it more likely that the side effects will continue into the next day, sort of like a hangover.
In some cases, Lunesta can make us behave out of the ordinary. For example, we may act aggressively, be confused or agitated, and even have hallucinations. We may also feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts, especially if we’re prone to them. Adding alcohol to the mix only increases these risks.
As if the immediate side effects of mixing Lunesta and alcohol aren’t bad enough, it gets worse. The Lunesta-alcohol combo can wreak havoc on our mood and personality. Let’s take a look at what research has to say about this.
Lunesta is classified as a sedative — specifically, a hypnotic. Hypnotics in general must be taken with caution and only in the short term. Hypnotics like Lunesta can cause mood swings, personality changes, and even hallucinations. In severe cases, we can develop eszopiclone-induced psychosis, which researchers found in a man only a few months after undergoing insomnia treatment with Lunesta. It can also lead to hallucinations and aggressiveness that may be out of character.
Alcohol impairs the function of the prefrontal cortex, which can lead us to act angrily or aggressively if provoked. If we’re taking both substances, our risk of psychosis increases, and combined with the possibility of us doing things in our sleep, we run the risk of harming ourselves or others and not remembering a thing about it.
Another important reason to avoid mixing Lunesta and alcohol is that alcohol may be the cause of our sleep problems. Alcohol disrupts our sleep and worsens insomnia if we have it. Alcohol inhibits GABA, as well as other neurotransmitters that activate the “sleep” cells in our brain. On top of that, it disrupts the release of melatonin. It may help us fall asleep, but it causes poor sleep quality and affects our sleep-wake cycle, which is why we’re often wide awake at 3 a.m. after a night of drinking.
Many people don’t realize this about alcohol, and they blame their insomnia on other things, often using alcohol as a way to help them fall asleep. If you do suffer from insomnia, try quitting alcohol for a few weeks and see if your sleep quality improves. You may find you don’t need medication at all!
If you’re still suffering from insomnia, however, and Lunesta seems too risky for you, there are plenty of other ways to improve your sleep and wake up feeling more rested.
Are you considering other options for insomnia besides Lunesta? If you are, there are plenty of things you can do or medications you can take besides relying on sleeping pills:
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t take Lunesta, but if we do, we should be careful about how long we take it and with what.
Finally, if we decide to stick with Lunesta, here are some tips we can follow to stay safe:
Our health should be our priority, and that requires proper sleep. Get that right and you’ll have the energy to tackle whatever comes our way.
Remember, sleep is a requirement, not a luxury. No matter what’s keeping you up at night, alcohol won’t fix it. Those of us with chronic insomnia know how torturous it can feel, and long-term lack of sleep can create a poor quality of life all around. It’s time for you to prioritize your sleep above all else so you can enjoy your waking hours more fully.
Wondering if you should take that trazodone pill after having a drink? Find out about trazodone interactions with alcohol in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
It’s 3 a.m. — again. You’ve tried counting sheep, distracting yourself with another episode of a podcast, you’ve even tried the “warm milk with honey” and “count backwards from 100” methods. You’ve tried it all, and yet, night after night, you find yourself unable to fall asleep and wake up every morning groggier than ever, still having to brush your teeth, throw on an outfit, grab a caffeinated drink, and face the day.
Then, your doctor suggests trazodone and — hallelujah! — you finally find relief. Finally, you can doze off and actually stay asleep. But then you think, what about this weekend? You’re planning to go out and have a drink with friends, but still want to catch your z’s tonight. Can you take trazodone with alcohol? Or do alcohol and trazodone not play well together?
That evening, when you return, instead of listening to your podcast you start anxiously searching the net for “trazodone and alcohol” and end up googling things like “trazodone and alcohol death.” Yikes — this time you truly do scare yourself out of sleep altogether.
Before that happens again, let’s dive into the subject of trazodone and alcohol interactions without the doom and gloom — and see why the two don’t really mix well. Knowledge is power!
Trazodone has been around since 1981 and is — in spite of its current popularity as an insomnia medication — an antidepressant. It works by helping our brain restore levels of serotonin, the mood-regulating neurochemical involved in brain pathways responsible for making us feel happy and secure. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, which is why this particular pathway is the target of many depression therapies.
Trazodone in particular belongs to the “serotonin-antagonist-and-reuptake-inhibitor” group of medications. What does this mouthful of a name really mean? Like its popular SSRI cousins, it helps boost serotonin levels in the brain by preventing it from getting cleared out of synapses too quickly while also going after “serotonin antagonists” that work to block this particular neurotransmitter.
While it may have started its “career” as an antidepressant, trazodone quickly became the master-of-all-trades and is now prescribed for a number of different conditions. A CNS Spectrum article titled “Mechanism of Action of Trazodone: A Multifunctional Drug” explains that while at higher doses trazodone mostly affects serotonin, at lower doses it blocks histamine receptors and adrenergic receptors. As a result, it also has “hypnotic” properties at low doses, making it suitable for treating conditions that call for calming the nervous system.
Like any other medicine, trazodone comes with some side effects. Most are fairly mild.
Occasionally, things get a bit more serious.
While some of these symptoms sound scary and others are merely unpleasant, remember that serious side effects are rare. Doctors prescribe trazodone because they believe the benefits will be worth any potential side effects.
Serotonin syndrome is rare, but it’s a possibility with any drug that tweaks our serotonin levels, especially if we’ve taken a drug from the MAO inhibitor family in the last 14 days (some examples include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, but there are many others). If your doctor is aware of all of your medications, they will give strict directions about taking trazodone to avoid this serious complication. Always check with your doctor!
Serotonin syndrome is pretty much exactly what it sounds like — our system gets overloaded with serotonin, leading to some pretty unsavory (and even dangerous) results. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
In general, mixing antidepressants and alcohol isn’t a good idea. (For more information, check out our blog Alcohol and Antidepressants: A Dangerous Combo.) But why are trazodone and alcohol in particular a risky pairing?
Given the downer effect of both substances and the heightened risk of overdose, the safest answer is really zero. It’s hard to say when we cross the line into danger, since that depends on many factors, including age, metabolism, general health, and the presence of any other substances in our system. That said, it’s a risk that’s truly not worth taking, especially given the curveball of increased concentration of trazodone in our system after drinking. Best case scenario? We’ll get really sleepy and might wake up with a killer hangover. But why test it?
While trazodone might not play well with alcohol, it’s a whole different story when it comes to alcohol withdrawal. In fact, it’s often a go-to medication doctors prescribe to relieve insomnia triggered when we suddenly stop drinking.
Why is insomnia an issue in withdrawal? Once again, the answer has to do with the brain. The depressant effects of alcohol stem from the effects it has on two neurotransmitters — GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and glutamate (its excitatory counterpart). By boosting one and suppressing the other, alcohol puts a damper on the whole system, making us feel drowsy.
Over time, the body gets used to the “new normal” and adjusts brain chemistry accordingly. Suddenly removing alcohol throws a wrench in the system, causing us to feel agitated and unable to sleep.
This is where trazodone comes to the rescue! By acting as a sedative, it can ease the transition, letting us catch some much-needed z’s as we readjust and get ready to take the important (and exciting!) step into the world beyond booze.
While administering trazodone to treat withdrawal is frequently the method used in many inpatient facilities (as well as on an outpatient basis), some in the medical community aren’t so sure it’s a great idea. A study in Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research that looked at short- and long-term success in staying booze-free found that while trazodone helped with the initial withdrawal stage, it reduced the likelihood of staying sober over time.
The researchers followed 88 participants who received trazodone and 85 who were given a placebo and found that “the trazodone group experienced less improvement in the proportion of days abstinent during administration of study medication … and an increase in the number of drinks per drinking day on cessation of the study.” And sleep quality? While trazodone did lead to an improvement, it was business as usual when it was stopped: both experimental groups were in the same boat as far as sleep patterns were concerned.
A final point to consider is that if we usually take trazodone for sleep — and if alcohol is a frequent presence in our life — alcohol could be partially to blame for our sleep problems in the first place.
Though it makes us initially drowsy, alcohol is a notorious sleep disruptor.
And now, here’s some advice for staying safe when it comes to alcohol and trazodone.
All in all, alcohol doesn’t play nice with many medications, and trazodone is one of them. So whether you’re taking it for its mood-stabilizing properties, as an insomnia aid, or for a different reason altogether, it’s best to stay away from alcohol in the meantime. Reframe is here to support you on your journey, providing you with the latest neuroscience-backed tips on cutting back or quitting for good, if you decide that’s right for you! In the meantime, stay safe and give your body and mind the attention and care it truly deserves.
It’s 3 a.m. — again. You’ve tried counting sheep, distracting yourself with another episode of a podcast, you’ve even tried the “warm milk with honey” and “count backwards from 100” methods. You’ve tried it all, and yet, night after night, you find yourself unable to fall asleep and wake up every morning groggier than ever, still having to brush your teeth, throw on an outfit, grab a caffeinated drink, and face the day.
Then, your doctor suggests trazodone and — hallelujah! — you finally find relief. Finally, you can doze off and actually stay asleep. But then you think, what about this weekend? You’re planning to go out and have a drink with friends, but still want to catch your z’s tonight. Can you take trazodone with alcohol? Or do alcohol and trazodone not play well together?
That evening, when you return, instead of listening to your podcast you start anxiously searching the net for “trazodone and alcohol” and end up googling things like “trazodone and alcohol death.” Yikes — this time you truly do scare yourself out of sleep altogether.
Before that happens again, let’s dive into the subject of trazodone and alcohol interactions without the doom and gloom — and see why the two don’t really mix well. Knowledge is power!
Trazodone has been around since 1981 and is — in spite of its current popularity as an insomnia medication — an antidepressant. It works by helping our brain restore levels of serotonin, the mood-regulating neurochemical involved in brain pathways responsible for making us feel happy and secure. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression, which is why this particular pathway is the target of many depression therapies.
Trazodone in particular belongs to the “serotonin-antagonist-and-reuptake-inhibitor” group of medications. What does this mouthful of a name really mean? Like its popular SSRI cousins, it helps boost serotonin levels in the brain by preventing it from getting cleared out of synapses too quickly while also going after “serotonin antagonists” that work to block this particular neurotransmitter.
While it may have started its “career” as an antidepressant, trazodone quickly became the master-of-all-trades and is now prescribed for a number of different conditions. A CNS Spectrum article titled “Mechanism of Action of Trazodone: A Multifunctional Drug” explains that while at higher doses trazodone mostly affects serotonin, at lower doses it blocks histamine receptors and adrenergic receptors. As a result, it also has “hypnotic” properties at low doses, making it suitable for treating conditions that call for calming the nervous system.
Like any other medicine, trazodone comes with some side effects. Most are fairly mild.
Occasionally, things get a bit more serious.
While some of these symptoms sound scary and others are merely unpleasant, remember that serious side effects are rare. Doctors prescribe trazodone because they believe the benefits will be worth any potential side effects.
Serotonin syndrome is rare, but it’s a possibility with any drug that tweaks our serotonin levels, especially if we’ve taken a drug from the MAO inhibitor family in the last 14 days (some examples include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine, but there are many others). If your doctor is aware of all of your medications, they will give strict directions about taking trazodone to avoid this serious complication. Always check with your doctor!
Serotonin syndrome is pretty much exactly what it sounds like — our system gets overloaded with serotonin, leading to some pretty unsavory (and even dangerous) results. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:
In general, mixing antidepressants and alcohol isn’t a good idea. (For more information, check out our blog Alcohol and Antidepressants: A Dangerous Combo.) But why are trazodone and alcohol in particular a risky pairing?
Given the downer effect of both substances and the heightened risk of overdose, the safest answer is really zero. It’s hard to say when we cross the line into danger, since that depends on many factors, including age, metabolism, general health, and the presence of any other substances in our system. That said, it’s a risk that’s truly not worth taking, especially given the curveball of increased concentration of trazodone in our system after drinking. Best case scenario? We’ll get really sleepy and might wake up with a killer hangover. But why test it?
While trazodone might not play well with alcohol, it’s a whole different story when it comes to alcohol withdrawal. In fact, it’s often a go-to medication doctors prescribe to relieve insomnia triggered when we suddenly stop drinking.
Why is insomnia an issue in withdrawal? Once again, the answer has to do with the brain. The depressant effects of alcohol stem from the effects it has on two neurotransmitters — GABA (an inhibitory neurotransmitter) and glutamate (its excitatory counterpart). By boosting one and suppressing the other, alcohol puts a damper on the whole system, making us feel drowsy.
Over time, the body gets used to the “new normal” and adjusts brain chemistry accordingly. Suddenly removing alcohol throws a wrench in the system, causing us to feel agitated and unable to sleep.
This is where trazodone comes to the rescue! By acting as a sedative, it can ease the transition, letting us catch some much-needed z’s as we readjust and get ready to take the important (and exciting!) step into the world beyond booze.
While administering trazodone to treat withdrawal is frequently the method used in many inpatient facilities (as well as on an outpatient basis), some in the medical community aren’t so sure it’s a great idea. A study in Alcohol Clinical and Experimental Research that looked at short- and long-term success in staying booze-free found that while trazodone helped with the initial withdrawal stage, it reduced the likelihood of staying sober over time.
The researchers followed 88 participants who received trazodone and 85 who were given a placebo and found that “the trazodone group experienced less improvement in the proportion of days abstinent during administration of study medication … and an increase in the number of drinks per drinking day on cessation of the study.” And sleep quality? While trazodone did lead to an improvement, it was business as usual when it was stopped: both experimental groups were in the same boat as far as sleep patterns were concerned.
A final point to consider is that if we usually take trazodone for sleep — and if alcohol is a frequent presence in our life — alcohol could be partially to blame for our sleep problems in the first place.
Though it makes us initially drowsy, alcohol is a notorious sleep disruptor.
And now, here’s some advice for staying safe when it comes to alcohol and trazodone.
All in all, alcohol doesn’t play nice with many medications, and trazodone is one of them. So whether you’re taking it for its mood-stabilizing properties, as an insomnia aid, or for a different reason altogether, it’s best to stay away from alcohol in the meantime. Reframe is here to support you on your journey, providing you with the latest neuroscience-backed tips on cutting back or quitting for good, if you decide that’s right for you! In the meantime, stay safe and give your body and mind the attention and care it truly deserves.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Paxil, an antidepressant commonly prescribed for anxiety, PTSD, and other mood disorders? Find out in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
We’ve all experienced challenging times in life when we may need the help of an antidepressant such as Paxil, a drug commonly prescribed for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other mood-related conditions. If you’ve recently been prescribed Paxil or another antidepressant, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while taking it.
As with any medication, it’s important to know the potential risks before reaching for a drink. Some medications pose more serious risks than others, so it’s best to equip yourself with knowledge to stay safe from the get-go.
So, let’s take a look. Here’s what you need to know about mixing alcohol and Paxil.
Paxil — the brand name for paroxetine — is an antidepressant belonging to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil boosts the effectiveness of serotonin, the neurochemical responsible for mood regulation. Paxil is also used to treat panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here’s a list of conditions Paxil is commonly prescribed to treat:
Reduced serotonin functionality is a factor in each of these conditions; Paxil helps restore our brain's serotonin to a normal level. It can be used on its own or in combination with other medications. When our serotonin gets back to its optimal functionality, our brain has a chance to re-learn healthier thought patterns.
Let’s delve deeper into serotonin and why it’s important when we talk about mixing antidepressant medications with alcohol. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between the nerve cells in our brain and sends them throughout our body. Often referred to as the “happy” hormone, serotonin regulates our overall sense of well-being. It plays a key role in many important bodily functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, sexual desire, and more.
We’ve all heard that good sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are the keys to mental and physical health — and there’s a good reason! Studies estimate that 90-95% of serotonin is produced in the gut. The best way to boost serotonin levels is to eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains. SRIs can help make the most of the serotonin we have, but there’s more to the picture.
Ever felt especially low or down the day after a night of drinking? When we add a substance to our body (such as a prescription drug or alcohol), we disrupt our body’s normal neurotransmitter levels. These changes are responsible for the relaxing and mood-boosting effects of alcohol in the short term; they are also the reason behind the next-day moodiness, anxiety, and agitation. Over time, regular alcohol use can have more profound effects on the way our body produces and uses neurotransmitters.
As with many medications, drinking alcohol can exacerbate the potential side effects of Paxil or increase the severity of our original symptoms. Let’s learn more about the potential risks of mixing alcohol with Paxil.
So, what are the risks of mixing paroxetine and alcohol? Can it really be that bad? Well, first off, it’s worth mentioning that mixing alcohol and antidepressants is generally considered a dangerous combo for a variety of reasons.
We may think of alcohol as a way to boost our mood, but the truth is alcohol actually worsens depression and anxiety. Drinking while taking Paxil can cancel out the overall goal of taking an antidepressant in the first place — to reduce symptoms of panic, anxiety, or depression.
Alcohol and paroxetine interactions generally involve amplifying one another’s side effects. When we compare the side effects of Paxil and alcohol, it’s easy to spot many similarities between the two before we even start talking about mixing them.
These side effects are already a risk on their own, and combining the two only increases the chance that we’ll experience some of these negative effects. But more importantly, let’s not forget that alcohol is technically classified as a depressant because it slows our basic functions like speech, reactions, and movement.
Alcohol can also increase the side effects of Paxil, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impaired thinking and judgment. Most importantly, Paxil may cause some people to have a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts, especially teenagers. While this reaction is rare, it’s alarming and essential to be aware of. For that reason, it’s important to avoid anything that can make depression worse, such as drinking alcohol. If we’re taking Paxil to help relieve us of symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, it’s simply unwise to add alcohol into the equation.
Alcohol affects our general brain function and neural activity. It interferes with our ability to think clearly, alters our perceptions of our immediate surroundings and reality, and distorts our judgment and memory. Many of these risks and side effects are similar to those of Paxil.
If you’re wondering if your mental health might be affected by your drinking habits, it’s always a good idea to take a look at how alcohol can affect your mental health so you can make adjustments or seek the help of your therapist or healthcare provider.
Basically, if we’re already experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or symptoms that are affecting our mental health, adding alcohol to the equation will only make things worse.
The bottom line is, when taking steps to improve our mental health, our well-being should always take priority. The goal of any type of antidepressant is to help us feel mentally stable and balanced.
Although there is no set “rule” about drinking alcohol and taking Paxil, the best bet is to strictly limit intake or avoid it altogether. To give your medicine the best chance of working, it’s best to opt for other mood-boosting activities such as exercising, connecting with friends, and practicing mindfulness. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these five ways to prioritize your mental health that don’t involve drinking.
If you do choose to drink alcohol despite knowing the risks, it’s vital to do so in moderation and exercise caution. As always, speak with your healthcare provider first with any questions before you start taking a new medication of any kind.
We hope you feel more informed about the potential risks associated with mixing alcohol and Paxil. Whether you’re currently taking it or know someone who is, spread the word, so we can all help support each other to prioritize our mental health and find healthier alternatives to drinking alcohol. You got this!
We’ve all experienced challenging times in life when we may need the help of an antidepressant such as Paxil, a drug commonly prescribed for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and other mood-related conditions. If you’ve recently been prescribed Paxil or another antidepressant, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while taking it.
As with any medication, it’s important to know the potential risks before reaching for a drink. Some medications pose more serious risks than others, so it’s best to equip yourself with knowledge to stay safe from the get-go.
So, let’s take a look. Here’s what you need to know about mixing alcohol and Paxil.
Paxil — the brand name for paroxetine — is an antidepressant belonging to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Paxil boosts the effectiveness of serotonin, the neurochemical responsible for mood regulation. Paxil is also used to treat panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here’s a list of conditions Paxil is commonly prescribed to treat:
Reduced serotonin functionality is a factor in each of these conditions; Paxil helps restore our brain's serotonin to a normal level. It can be used on its own or in combination with other medications. When our serotonin gets back to its optimal functionality, our brain has a chance to re-learn healthier thought patterns.
Let’s delve deeper into serotonin and why it’s important when we talk about mixing antidepressant medications with alcohol. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages between the nerve cells in our brain and sends them throughout our body. Often referred to as the “happy” hormone, serotonin regulates our overall sense of well-being. It plays a key role in many important bodily functions such as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting, sexual desire, and more.
We’ve all heard that good sleep, exercise, and a healthy diet are the keys to mental and physical health — and there’s a good reason! Studies estimate that 90-95% of serotonin is produced in the gut. The best way to boost serotonin levels is to eat a balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, and healthy grains. SRIs can help make the most of the serotonin we have, but there’s more to the picture.
Ever felt especially low or down the day after a night of drinking? When we add a substance to our body (such as a prescription drug or alcohol), we disrupt our body’s normal neurotransmitter levels. These changes are responsible for the relaxing and mood-boosting effects of alcohol in the short term; they are also the reason behind the next-day moodiness, anxiety, and agitation. Over time, regular alcohol use can have more profound effects on the way our body produces and uses neurotransmitters.
As with many medications, drinking alcohol can exacerbate the potential side effects of Paxil or increase the severity of our original symptoms. Let’s learn more about the potential risks of mixing alcohol with Paxil.
So, what are the risks of mixing paroxetine and alcohol? Can it really be that bad? Well, first off, it’s worth mentioning that mixing alcohol and antidepressants is generally considered a dangerous combo for a variety of reasons.
We may think of alcohol as a way to boost our mood, but the truth is alcohol actually worsens depression and anxiety. Drinking while taking Paxil can cancel out the overall goal of taking an antidepressant in the first place — to reduce symptoms of panic, anxiety, or depression.
Alcohol and paroxetine interactions generally involve amplifying one another’s side effects. When we compare the side effects of Paxil and alcohol, it’s easy to spot many similarities between the two before we even start talking about mixing them.
These side effects are already a risk on their own, and combining the two only increases the chance that we’ll experience some of these negative effects. But more importantly, let’s not forget that alcohol is technically classified as a depressant because it slows our basic functions like speech, reactions, and movement.
Alcohol can also increase the side effects of Paxil, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impaired thinking and judgment. Most importantly, Paxil may cause some people to have a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts, especially teenagers. While this reaction is rare, it’s alarming and essential to be aware of. For that reason, it’s important to avoid anything that can make depression worse, such as drinking alcohol. If we’re taking Paxil to help relieve us of symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, it’s simply unwise to add alcohol into the equation.
Alcohol affects our general brain function and neural activity. It interferes with our ability to think clearly, alters our perceptions of our immediate surroundings and reality, and distorts our judgment and memory. Many of these risks and side effects are similar to those of Paxil.
If you’re wondering if your mental health might be affected by your drinking habits, it’s always a good idea to take a look at how alcohol can affect your mental health so you can make adjustments or seek the help of your therapist or healthcare provider.
Basically, if we’re already experiencing anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or symptoms that are affecting our mental health, adding alcohol to the equation will only make things worse.
The bottom line is, when taking steps to improve our mental health, our well-being should always take priority. The goal of any type of antidepressant is to help us feel mentally stable and balanced.
Although there is no set “rule” about drinking alcohol and taking Paxil, the best bet is to strictly limit intake or avoid it altogether. To give your medicine the best chance of working, it’s best to opt for other mood-boosting activities such as exercising, connecting with friends, and practicing mindfulness. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out these five ways to prioritize your mental health that don’t involve drinking.
If you do choose to drink alcohol despite knowing the risks, it’s vital to do so in moderation and exercise caution. As always, speak with your healthcare provider first with any questions before you start taking a new medication of any kind.
We hope you feel more informed about the potential risks associated with mixing alcohol and Paxil. Whether you’re currently taking it or know someone who is, spread the word, so we can all help support each other to prioritize our mental health and find healthier alternatives to drinking alcohol. You got this!
Learn what happens when you mix Vyvanse and alcohol, including health risks, side effects, and safe guidelines for anyone prescribed this ADHD medication.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
It’s Saturday night, and you’re ready for a glass of wine with dinner. But then you remember your morning Vyvanse. The question hits you: is mixing Vyvanse and alcohol actually safe? You might wonder, 'how long after taking Vyvanse can I drink alcohol?' or 'if I take Vyvanse in the morning can I drink at night?' These are critical questions. Combining a stimulant with a depressant sends your body confusing signals, masking how impaired you really are and putting your health at serious risk. Here’s what you need to know before you order that drink.
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a familiar term today, but what does it mean? In The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan describes it as a superpower: “Taken together, it’s almost a sure sign. The letters float off the page when we read, right? That’s because your mind is hardwired for ancient Greek. And the ADHD — we’re impulsive, can’t sit still in the classroom. That’s your battlefield reflexes. In a real fight, they’d keep you alive. As for the attention problems, that’s because you see too much, Percy, not too little. Your senses are better than a regular mortal’s.”
While this way of seeing ADHD is refreshingly optimistic, the condition actually can be a burden. Those with ADHD daydream, unintentionally interrupt others when a sudden idea strikes, fidget with their hair or phone, and leave the laundry they’re folding half-done to reorganize the kitchen cupboards. You get the picture — ADHD can get in the way of living for children and adults alike.
From a neuroscience perspective, the problems with attention are the result of a communication glitch between the decision-making prefrontal cortex and the striatum, which is involved in attention. So, as we can see, the term “attention deficit” is a bit of a misnomer: there’s no “lack” of attention; we just focus on the “wrong” thing. The hyperactivity part, in turn, has more to do with differences in the dopamine-driven reward system that makes it difficult for people with ADHD to stay motivated without external stimulation.
The use of medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD remains somewhat controversial, but for many, medication has proved effective in easing the symptoms.
Historically, the first line of medication treatment for ADHD comprise stimulants — drugs that speed up the nervous system, such as Adderall and Ritalin. While generally sanctioned by the medical community as a viable solution for some, a major source of concern with stimulants has been the risk of dependency. As a result, the FDA regulates them with gusto (and with good reason — there have been many cases of addiction, overdose, and even death caused by stimulants over the years).
Enter Vyvanse. Unlike other stimulants, Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it only becomes active once it's gradually metabolized by the body. The result? It has the effects of other stimulants but potentially reduces abuse risk since it doesn’t provide the same energy boost that many find so enticing (and ultimately counterproductive).
Because it’s a powerful stimulant, Vyvanse is classified as a controlled substance. This simply means it has a high potential for misuse, so its distribution is carefully regulated to prevent dependency and other health issues. Mixing any stimulant with alcohol is generally considered a form of misuse, and doing so intentionally can put you at a higher risk of developing drinking problems. Since both substances affect the central nervous system, combining them can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. It’s a combination that masks the effects of both substances, potentially leading you to drink more than you normally would or not realize how impaired you are. This is why it's so important to take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to be open about your alcohol consumption with them.
While it's most known for treating ADHD, Vyvanse is also prescribed for moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. This is a condition where someone frequently consumes unusually large amounts of food in a short period and feels a sense of being out of control during the episode. The way Vyvanse works on the brain's neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, can help regulate impulse control and reduce the compulsion to binge. Its slow-release “prodrug” nature is beneficial here, too, providing a steady effect rather than a sudden jolt, which helps manage the underlying urges associated with BED throughout the day. This shows how the medication can be a powerful tool for managing impulse control in different situations.
But what about drinking on Vyvanse? As it turns out, we’re better off opting out to avoid some unpleasant surprises. Let’s explore why mixing Vyvanse and alcohol isn’t a good idea.
First of all, there’s the issue of side effects, many of which can be amped up by alcohol. According to Drugs.com, common Vyvanse side effects include the typical ones we would expect from stimulants:
As we can see, the side effects of Vyvanse and alcohol don’t mix well. But there are other reasons why it’s wise to avoid the combination.
Beyond just making the usual side effects worse, mixing Vyvanse and alcohol introduces some serious health dangers. Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, it can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making you feel less intoxicated than you actually are. This is a huge problem because it can easily lead you to drink far more than you normally would, putting you at risk for alcohol poisoning. It creates a false sense of sobriety that can have severe consequences. Doctors strongly advise against this combination for a reason — it’s a dangerous gamble with your health.
This mixture also puts a ton of strain on your cardiovascular system. Think of it as sending conflicting signals to your body. The stimulant pushes your heart to work harder, while alcohol can also cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. Together, they can push your heart activity and blood pressure to unsafe levels. This combination greatly increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and experiencing irregular heartbeats, which are serious medical issues that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The consequences of drinking on Vyvanse aren’t just long-term risks; they can show up immediately and ruin your night. That stimulant effect that hides how drunk you feel also masks the sleepiness that alcohol typically causes. Without those natural cues from your body telling you to slow down, you might keep drinking well past your limit. This creates a much higher risk of acute alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
The impact on your mental state can be just as immediate. If you’re prone to anxiety or irritability, this combination can be particularly challenging. Alcohol is known to disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, and when combined with a powerful stimulant like Vyvanse, it can intensify feelings of anxiety, agitation, or even depression. Instead of the relaxed buzz you might be hoping for, you could find yourself feeling on edge, emotionally volatile, and far from your best self.
As a stimulant, Vyvanse increases neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can boost energy and alertness. When we mix it with booze — a depressant — two not-so great things happen:
Our heart does a lot of work for us every second of our lives. Let’s give it the care it deserves (while also avoiding the pitfalls of the masking effect). The risk just isn’t worth it.
The combination of a stimulant and a depressant sends confusing signals to your body, especially your heart. Alcohol, a depressant, initially slows down your central nervous system. Vyvanse, a stimulant, does the opposite. This push-and-pull puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system. More insidiously, Vyvanse’s stimulating properties can create a “masking effect,” making it difficult to recognize how intoxicated you truly are. You might feel more alert and sober than you would otherwise, which can easily lead to drinking far more than intended. This significantly increases the risk of severe intoxication and even alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening emergency. It’s the same reason mixing energy drinks and alcohol is so risky — you simply can’t trust your body’s usual cues.
Many people who take Vyvanse also manage conditions like anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, adding alcohol to the mix can make things much worse. While you might reach for a drink to unwind, alcohol disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. This can intensify feelings of sadness, irritability, and mood swings, effectively canceling out the stability your medication aims to provide. It can also worsen the next-day “hangxiety” that many people experience after drinking. If you’re taking Vyvanse to improve your focus and emotional regulation, introducing a substance known to negatively impact mental health is counterproductive. It can create a difficult cycle where the side effects of alcohol worsen the very symptoms you’re trying to treat.
One of the most serious risks of mixing Vyvanse and alcohol is the risk of dependency. While the risk is lower than it is in fast-acting drugs such as Adderall, Vyvanse still causes dopamine release. Since alcohol does the same — and since artificial dopamine boosts can cause unnatural spikes in feelings of reward and pleasure — we can find ourselves at risk of addiction and substance misuse.
Moreover, alcohol can lower inhibitions and impair judgment — a concern significant for those of us dealing with ADHD. The combination with Vyvanse might lead to increased impulsivity and poor decision making, resulting in risky behaviors.
When we mix two or more substances, it's known as polysubstance abuse, and it comes with its own unique set of dangers. Combining a stimulant like Vyvanse with a depressant like alcohol is a recipe for trouble. The biggest danger is that Vyvanse can make you feel less drunk than you actually are. This masking effect can easily lead to drinking far more than intended, putting you at a serious risk for alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly. Beyond this immediate threat, regularly mixing these substances can lead to a dependency on both. Tackling a dual dependency is significantly more challenging and can create more severe health and mental health problems down the line. It's a dangerous combination that complicates recovery and puts your well-being in jeopardy.
When it comes to ADHD symptoms, alcohol is counterproductive, to say the least. Anyone who has tried to have a focused conversation with a friend who’s had a few too many knows how it’s often a lost cause. Likewise, trying to get a tipsy group of people to go somewhere together can feel like herding cats: their attention spans get worse by the minute, and their ability to focus can seem virtually nonexistent.
By slowing down activity in the prefrontal cortex, alcohol gets in the way of our ability to think logically and stay focused. Moreover, it tends to lead to so-called “alcohol myopia” — a tendency to focus on the most salient (i.e., “juiciest”) aspect of a subject or scene while ignoring everything else. This tendency to hyperfocus on whatever grabs our attention is exactly what we’re already fighting against if we have ADHD. The whole point of taking medications such as Vyvanse is to put the prefrontal cortex back in the driver’s seat — and alcohol makes that harder.
The link between ADHD, stimulants, and alcohol isn't just a hunch — the numbers back it up. Research shows that almost half of college students who misused stimulants also drank alcohol with them in the past year. This combination significantly raises the stakes. People who mix stimulants like Vyvanse with alcohol are 2.4 times more likely to struggle with alcohol abuse. The risk compounds from there: they are also 4.7 times more likely to have a problem with both alcohol and another substance at the same time. These figures paint a clear picture of the heightened risks involved when these substances are combined, turning what might seem like a casual choice into a statistically significant gamble.
Beyond the immediate effects, it's important to consider the long-term picture. Having ADHD as a child already increases the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder in adulthood. When you add a stimulant like Vyvanse to the mix, you create a situation where dependency on both substances becomes a real possibility. Treating a dual dependency is significantly more complex and can lead to more severe health and mental health challenges down the road. It’s a compounding risk that starts with what might seem like a harmless combination but can evolve into a much more serious issue over time, making it harder to manage both your ADHD and your relationship with alcohol.
We’ve touched on the "masking effect," where the stimulant properties of Vyvanse can hide the sedative effects of alcohol. This is one of the most immediate dangers of mixing the two. You might feel more alert and capable than you actually are, which makes it incredibly difficult to gauge your level of intoxication. This false sense of sobriety is a recipe for trouble. Not realizing how drunk you are can lead to dangerous actions like drunk driving, getting into fights, or making decisions you later regret. It’s easy to keep drinking past your limit because your body’s natural cues are being overridden by the medication, putting you at a much higher risk for alcohol poisoning and other immediate dangers.
For those with ADHD, this scenario is particularly concerning. Impulsivity is often a core component of the condition, and alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and impair judgment for everyone. When you combine the two, you’re essentially pouring fuel on the fire. The medication might help manage impulsivity on its own, but when mixed with alcohol, that benefit can be negated or even reversed. This can lead to an increase in poor decision-making and impulsive actions. The very behaviors you might be trying to manage with medication can become amplified, creating a cycle of risk that’s hard to break and can have serious legal, social, and personal consequences.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “How long after taking Vyvanse can I drink alcohol?” According to scientists and doctors, the best approach is to avoid alcohol completely while you’re on Vyvanse. You will eliminate the risk of adverse interactions and set yourself up for success when it comes to managing your symptoms.
That said, if you do choose to drink, healthcare providers advise waiting at least 14 hours, which is about how long Vyvanse is active. However, everyone is different, so give it a bit more time if you are still feeling the effects. And, most importantly, always ask your doctor if you have questions!
While the safest choice is always to avoid alcohol completely when taking medication, if you do decide to drink, timing is crucial. Most medical professionals recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your last dose of Vyvanse before consuming any alcohol. This waiting period gives the medication enough time to substantially clear from your system, which helps minimize the risk of dangerous interactions. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline; factors like your metabolism, dosage, and overall health can influence how long the drug remains active in your body. The most responsible step is always to have an open conversation with your doctor. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health profile, ensuring you make the safest choice for yourself.
Even if you’re carefully following the 24-hour rule, it’s important to remember that alcohol can show up in unexpected places. Being mindful of this can help you avoid accidental consumption that could interact with your medication. For instance, alcohol is a common ingredient in many everyday items you might not suspect. Think about products like vanilla extract, certain cooking sauces, and even some desserts. Beyond the kitchen, you can also find it in household products like mouthwash and medications such as cough syrups or some antihistamines. While the amounts are often small, they can add up and potentially cause an unwanted reaction. Practicing mindful drinking also means being a mindful consumer in general, so get in the habit of checking labels if you’re trying to avoid alcohol.
Finally, here are some tips to stay safe on Vyvanse,
With these tips, you can get the most out of your treatment while staying safe.
Despite our best intentions, emergencies can happen. The most significant danger of mixing Vyvanse and alcohol is that the stimulant can mask the effects of intoxication, making it easy to drink far more than intended. This combination places extreme stress on your cardiovascular system, as the stimulant speeds up your heart while the depressant tries to slow it down. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a severe reaction. If you or someone you're with experiences chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. Don't hesitate or try to wait it out — these symptoms indicate a medical emergency that requires urgent professional care.
If you find yourself regularly mixing Vyvanse and alcohol despite the risks, it might be a sign to seek support. Recognizing that a change is needed is a huge first step, and you don’t have to go through it alone. When two substances are involved, it’s important to find a treatment approach that addresses both simultaneously. This ensures you get comprehensive care that covers all the bases, from physical safety to the psychological aspects of building new habits. The goal is to create a solid foundation for lasting change and well-being.
When someone is using both a stimulant like Vyvanse and a depressant like alcohol, it’s often referred to as polysubstance use. Effective treatment requires a plan that addresses both dependencies at the same time, as they can be intertwined. The process usually begins with ensuring physical safety and then moves on to building the mental and emotional skills needed for long-term recovery. This integrated approach gives you the best chance to understand the root causes of the behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms for the future.
Because mixing Vyvanse and alcohol can be so hard on the body, the first step is often a safe, medically supervised detox. This isn’t something to try at home. The combination can significantly increase health risks like high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, and withdrawal can be complicated. In a medical setting, healthcare professionals can monitor your vital signs and manage withdrawal symptoms to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. This process provides a secure starting point for your body to begin healing before you move on to the next phase of recovery.
Detox is just the beginning. Once your body is stable, the real work of building new habits begins. A comprehensive treatment program will include counseling and therapy to help you explore personal challenges, address any co-occurring mental health conditions, and learn new skills for recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. This is also where building a strong support system becomes key. Connecting with others and using tools like the Reframe app can provide daily encouragement and resources to help you stay on track with your goals long after formal treatment ends.
In the end, it’s all about balance and doing what’s best for your body and mind. Your doctor prescribes certain medications for a reason, so work with them to chart the best course of treatment and how to go about it. In the meantime, if you’re having trouble staying away from alcohol, Reframe is here to help!
I took my Vyvanse in the morning. Is it safe to have a drink at night? This is such a common question, and it makes sense to ask. The safest and most straightforward answer is to avoid alcohol completely while you're taking Vyvanse. The medication is designed to work for a long time, often up to 14 hours. If you do decide to drink, the general advice is to wait at least 24 hours after your dose. This gives the medication time to clear your system, reducing the risk of a dangerous interaction.
What if I only have one drink? Is that still risky? It’s tempting to think that a single drink won’t cause any harm, but it’s still a gamble. The main issue is that Vyvanse can mask the effects of alcohol, so you might not feel the impact of that one drink like you normally would. This can make it harder to stop at just one and can still put unnecessary strain on your heart. Because the interaction is so unpredictable, even a small amount of alcohol isn't worth the risk.
Will drinking alcohol make my Vyvanse less effective for my ADHD? Yes, it absolutely can. Think of it this way: you take Vyvanse to improve your focus, manage impulsivity, and regulate your attention. Alcohol does the exact opposite. It impairs judgment and focus while lowering your inhibitions. When you drink, you're essentially counteracting the benefits of your medication, making it much harder to manage the very symptoms you're trying to treat.
What are the most immediate warning signs that I'm having a bad reaction? Knowing what to look for is critical for your safety. Because this combination puts so much stress on your cardiovascular system, the most urgent signs are related to your heart. If you experience chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness, it's a red flag. Other serious symptoms include extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or becoming unresponsive. These are signs of a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately.
Besides the physical health risks, are there other reasons to avoid this combination? Definitely. The impact on your mental well-being is a major concern. If you experience anxiety or irritability as a side effect of Vyvanse, alcohol can make those feelings much worse. It disrupts the balance of chemicals in your brain, which can lead to mood swings and "hangxiety" the next day. It also impairs your judgment, and when combined with the impulsivity that can come with ADHD, it can lead to decisions and risky behaviors you wouldn't normally engage in.
It’s Saturday night, and you’re ready for a glass of wine with dinner. But then you remember your morning Vyvanse. The question hits you: is mixing Vyvanse and alcohol actually safe? You might wonder, 'how long after taking Vyvanse can I drink alcohol?' or 'if I take Vyvanse in the morning can I drink at night?' These are critical questions. Combining a stimulant with a depressant sends your body confusing signals, masking how impaired you really are and putting your health at serious risk. Here’s what you need to know before you order that drink.
Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a familiar term today, but what does it mean? In The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan describes it as a superpower: “Taken together, it’s almost a sure sign. The letters float off the page when we read, right? That’s because your mind is hardwired for ancient Greek. And the ADHD — we’re impulsive, can’t sit still in the classroom. That’s your battlefield reflexes. In a real fight, they’d keep you alive. As for the attention problems, that’s because you see too much, Percy, not too little. Your senses are better than a regular mortal’s.”
While this way of seeing ADHD is refreshingly optimistic, the condition actually can be a burden. Those with ADHD daydream, unintentionally interrupt others when a sudden idea strikes, fidget with their hair or phone, and leave the laundry they’re folding half-done to reorganize the kitchen cupboards. You get the picture — ADHD can get in the way of living for children and adults alike.
From a neuroscience perspective, the problems with attention are the result of a communication glitch between the decision-making prefrontal cortex and the striatum, which is involved in attention. So, as we can see, the term “attention deficit” is a bit of a misnomer: there’s no “lack” of attention; we just focus on the “wrong” thing. The hyperactivity part, in turn, has more to do with differences in the dopamine-driven reward system that makes it difficult for people with ADHD to stay motivated without external stimulation.
The use of medication to treat the symptoms of ADHD remains somewhat controversial, but for many, medication has proved effective in easing the symptoms.
Historically, the first line of medication treatment for ADHD comprise stimulants — drugs that speed up the nervous system, such as Adderall and Ritalin. While generally sanctioned by the medical community as a viable solution for some, a major source of concern with stimulants has been the risk of dependency. As a result, the FDA regulates them with gusto (and with good reason — there have been many cases of addiction, overdose, and even death caused by stimulants over the years).
Enter Vyvanse. Unlike other stimulants, Vyvanse is a prodrug, which means it only becomes active once it's gradually metabolized by the body. The result? It has the effects of other stimulants but potentially reduces abuse risk since it doesn’t provide the same energy boost that many find so enticing (and ultimately counterproductive).
Because it’s a powerful stimulant, Vyvanse is classified as a controlled substance. This simply means it has a high potential for misuse, so its distribution is carefully regulated to prevent dependency and other health issues. Mixing any stimulant with alcohol is generally considered a form of misuse, and doing so intentionally can put you at a higher risk of developing drinking problems. Since both substances affect the central nervous system, combining them can lead to unpredictable and dangerous outcomes. It’s a combination that masks the effects of both substances, potentially leading you to drink more than you normally would or not realize how impaired you are. This is why it's so important to take Vyvanse exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to be open about your alcohol consumption with them.
While it's most known for treating ADHD, Vyvanse is also prescribed for moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. This is a condition where someone frequently consumes unusually large amounts of food in a short period and feels a sense of being out of control during the episode. The way Vyvanse works on the brain's neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, can help regulate impulse control and reduce the compulsion to binge. Its slow-release “prodrug” nature is beneficial here, too, providing a steady effect rather than a sudden jolt, which helps manage the underlying urges associated with BED throughout the day. This shows how the medication can be a powerful tool for managing impulse control in different situations.
But what about drinking on Vyvanse? As it turns out, we’re better off opting out to avoid some unpleasant surprises. Let’s explore why mixing Vyvanse and alcohol isn’t a good idea.
First of all, there’s the issue of side effects, many of which can be amped up by alcohol. According to Drugs.com, common Vyvanse side effects include the typical ones we would expect from stimulants:
As we can see, the side effects of Vyvanse and alcohol don’t mix well. But there are other reasons why it’s wise to avoid the combination.
Beyond just making the usual side effects worse, mixing Vyvanse and alcohol introduces some serious health dangers. Because Vyvanse is a stimulant, it can mask the depressant effects of alcohol, making you feel less intoxicated than you actually are. This is a huge problem because it can easily lead you to drink far more than you normally would, putting you at risk for alcohol poisoning. It creates a false sense of sobriety that can have severe consequences. Doctors strongly advise against this combination for a reason — it’s a dangerous gamble with your health.
This mixture also puts a ton of strain on your cardiovascular system. Think of it as sending conflicting signals to your body. The stimulant pushes your heart to work harder, while alcohol can also cause fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. Together, they can push your heart activity and blood pressure to unsafe levels. This combination greatly increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and experiencing irregular heartbeats, which are serious medical issues that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The consequences of drinking on Vyvanse aren’t just long-term risks; they can show up immediately and ruin your night. That stimulant effect that hides how drunk you feel also masks the sleepiness that alcohol typically causes. Without those natural cues from your body telling you to slow down, you might keep drinking well past your limit. This creates a much higher risk of acute alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention.
The impact on your mental state can be just as immediate. If you’re prone to anxiety or irritability, this combination can be particularly challenging. Alcohol is known to disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, and when combined with a powerful stimulant like Vyvanse, it can intensify feelings of anxiety, agitation, or even depression. Instead of the relaxed buzz you might be hoping for, you could find yourself feeling on edge, emotionally volatile, and far from your best self.
As a stimulant, Vyvanse increases neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which can boost energy and alertness. When we mix it with booze — a depressant — two not-so great things happen:
Our heart does a lot of work for us every second of our lives. Let’s give it the care it deserves (while also avoiding the pitfalls of the masking effect). The risk just isn’t worth it.
The combination of a stimulant and a depressant sends confusing signals to your body, especially your heart. Alcohol, a depressant, initially slows down your central nervous system. Vyvanse, a stimulant, does the opposite. This push-and-pull puts extra strain on your cardiovascular system. More insidiously, Vyvanse’s stimulating properties can create a “masking effect,” making it difficult to recognize how intoxicated you truly are. You might feel more alert and sober than you would otherwise, which can easily lead to drinking far more than intended. This significantly increases the risk of severe intoxication and even alcohol poisoning, a life-threatening emergency. It’s the same reason mixing energy drinks and alcohol is so risky — you simply can’t trust your body’s usual cues.
Many people who take Vyvanse also manage conditions like anxiety or depression. Unfortunately, adding alcohol to the mix can make things much worse. While you might reach for a drink to unwind, alcohol disrupts the delicate balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. This can intensify feelings of sadness, irritability, and mood swings, effectively canceling out the stability your medication aims to provide. It can also worsen the next-day “hangxiety” that many people experience after drinking. If you’re taking Vyvanse to improve your focus and emotional regulation, introducing a substance known to negatively impact mental health is counterproductive. It can create a difficult cycle where the side effects of alcohol worsen the very symptoms you’re trying to treat.
One of the most serious risks of mixing Vyvanse and alcohol is the risk of dependency. While the risk is lower than it is in fast-acting drugs such as Adderall, Vyvanse still causes dopamine release. Since alcohol does the same — and since artificial dopamine boosts can cause unnatural spikes in feelings of reward and pleasure — we can find ourselves at risk of addiction and substance misuse.
Moreover, alcohol can lower inhibitions and impair judgment — a concern significant for those of us dealing with ADHD. The combination with Vyvanse might lead to increased impulsivity and poor decision making, resulting in risky behaviors.
When we mix two or more substances, it's known as polysubstance abuse, and it comes with its own unique set of dangers. Combining a stimulant like Vyvanse with a depressant like alcohol is a recipe for trouble. The biggest danger is that Vyvanse can make you feel less drunk than you actually are. This masking effect can easily lead to drinking far more than intended, putting you at a serious risk for alcohol poisoning, which can be deadly. Beyond this immediate threat, regularly mixing these substances can lead to a dependency on both. Tackling a dual dependency is significantly more challenging and can create more severe health and mental health problems down the line. It's a dangerous combination that complicates recovery and puts your well-being in jeopardy.
When it comes to ADHD symptoms, alcohol is counterproductive, to say the least. Anyone who has tried to have a focused conversation with a friend who’s had a few too many knows how it’s often a lost cause. Likewise, trying to get a tipsy group of people to go somewhere together can feel like herding cats: their attention spans get worse by the minute, and their ability to focus can seem virtually nonexistent.
By slowing down activity in the prefrontal cortex, alcohol gets in the way of our ability to think logically and stay focused. Moreover, it tends to lead to so-called “alcohol myopia” — a tendency to focus on the most salient (i.e., “juiciest”) aspect of a subject or scene while ignoring everything else. This tendency to hyperfocus on whatever grabs our attention is exactly what we’re already fighting against if we have ADHD. The whole point of taking medications such as Vyvanse is to put the prefrontal cortex back in the driver’s seat — and alcohol makes that harder.
The link between ADHD, stimulants, and alcohol isn't just a hunch — the numbers back it up. Research shows that almost half of college students who misused stimulants also drank alcohol with them in the past year. This combination significantly raises the stakes. People who mix stimulants like Vyvanse with alcohol are 2.4 times more likely to struggle with alcohol abuse. The risk compounds from there: they are also 4.7 times more likely to have a problem with both alcohol and another substance at the same time. These figures paint a clear picture of the heightened risks involved when these substances are combined, turning what might seem like a casual choice into a statistically significant gamble.
Beyond the immediate effects, it's important to consider the long-term picture. Having ADHD as a child already increases the likelihood of developing an alcohol use disorder in adulthood. When you add a stimulant like Vyvanse to the mix, you create a situation where dependency on both substances becomes a real possibility. Treating a dual dependency is significantly more complex and can lead to more severe health and mental health challenges down the road. It’s a compounding risk that starts with what might seem like a harmless combination but can evolve into a much more serious issue over time, making it harder to manage both your ADHD and your relationship with alcohol.
We’ve touched on the "masking effect," where the stimulant properties of Vyvanse can hide the sedative effects of alcohol. This is one of the most immediate dangers of mixing the two. You might feel more alert and capable than you actually are, which makes it incredibly difficult to gauge your level of intoxication. This false sense of sobriety is a recipe for trouble. Not realizing how drunk you are can lead to dangerous actions like drunk driving, getting into fights, or making decisions you later regret. It’s easy to keep drinking past your limit because your body’s natural cues are being overridden by the medication, putting you at a much higher risk for alcohol poisoning and other immediate dangers.
For those with ADHD, this scenario is particularly concerning. Impulsivity is often a core component of the condition, and alcohol is known to lower inhibitions and impair judgment for everyone. When you combine the two, you’re essentially pouring fuel on the fire. The medication might help manage impulsivity on its own, but when mixed with alcohol, that benefit can be negated or even reversed. This can lead to an increase in poor decision-making and impulsive actions. The very behaviors you might be trying to manage with medication can become amplified, creating a cycle of risk that’s hard to break and can have serious legal, social, and personal consequences.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “How long after taking Vyvanse can I drink alcohol?” According to scientists and doctors, the best approach is to avoid alcohol completely while you’re on Vyvanse. You will eliminate the risk of adverse interactions and set yourself up for success when it comes to managing your symptoms.
That said, if you do choose to drink, healthcare providers advise waiting at least 14 hours, which is about how long Vyvanse is active. However, everyone is different, so give it a bit more time if you are still feeling the effects. And, most importantly, always ask your doctor if you have questions!
While the safest choice is always to avoid alcohol completely when taking medication, if you do decide to drink, timing is crucial. Most medical professionals recommend waiting at least 24 hours after your last dose of Vyvanse before consuming any alcohol. This waiting period gives the medication enough time to substantially clear from your system, which helps minimize the risk of dangerous interactions. Keep in mind that this is a general guideline; factors like your metabolism, dosage, and overall health can influence how long the drug remains active in your body. The most responsible step is always to have an open conversation with your doctor. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific health profile, ensuring you make the safest choice for yourself.
Even if you’re carefully following the 24-hour rule, it’s important to remember that alcohol can show up in unexpected places. Being mindful of this can help you avoid accidental consumption that could interact with your medication. For instance, alcohol is a common ingredient in many everyday items you might not suspect. Think about products like vanilla extract, certain cooking sauces, and even some desserts. Beyond the kitchen, you can also find it in household products like mouthwash and medications such as cough syrups or some antihistamines. While the amounts are often small, they can add up and potentially cause an unwanted reaction. Practicing mindful drinking also means being a mindful consumer in general, so get in the habit of checking labels if you’re trying to avoid alcohol.
Finally, here are some tips to stay safe on Vyvanse,
With these tips, you can get the most out of your treatment while staying safe.
Despite our best intentions, emergencies can happen. The most significant danger of mixing Vyvanse and alcohol is that the stimulant can mask the effects of intoxication, making it easy to drink far more than intended. This combination places extreme stress on your cardiovascular system, as the stimulant speeds up your heart while the depressant tries to slow it down. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of a severe reaction. If you or someone you're with experiences chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or becomes unresponsive, call 911 immediately. Don't hesitate or try to wait it out — these symptoms indicate a medical emergency that requires urgent professional care.
If you find yourself regularly mixing Vyvanse and alcohol despite the risks, it might be a sign to seek support. Recognizing that a change is needed is a huge first step, and you don’t have to go through it alone. When two substances are involved, it’s important to find a treatment approach that addresses both simultaneously. This ensures you get comprehensive care that covers all the bases, from physical safety to the psychological aspects of building new habits. The goal is to create a solid foundation for lasting change and well-being.
When someone is using both a stimulant like Vyvanse and a depressant like alcohol, it’s often referred to as polysubstance use. Effective treatment requires a plan that addresses both dependencies at the same time, as they can be intertwined. The process usually begins with ensuring physical safety and then moves on to building the mental and emotional skills needed for long-term recovery. This integrated approach gives you the best chance to understand the root causes of the behavior and develop healthier coping mechanisms for the future.
Because mixing Vyvanse and alcohol can be so hard on the body, the first step is often a safe, medically supervised detox. This isn’t something to try at home. The combination can significantly increase health risks like high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats, and withdrawal can be complicated. In a medical setting, healthcare professionals can monitor your vital signs and manage withdrawal symptoms to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible. This process provides a secure starting point for your body to begin healing before you move on to the next phase of recovery.
Detox is just the beginning. Once your body is stable, the real work of building new habits begins. A comprehensive treatment program will include counseling and therapy to help you explore personal challenges, address any co-occurring mental health conditions, and learn new skills for recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. This is also where building a strong support system becomes key. Connecting with others and using tools like the Reframe app can provide daily encouragement and resources to help you stay on track with your goals long after formal treatment ends.
In the end, it’s all about balance and doing what’s best for your body and mind. Your doctor prescribes certain medications for a reason, so work with them to chart the best course of treatment and how to go about it. In the meantime, if you’re having trouble staying away from alcohol, Reframe is here to help!
I took my Vyvanse in the morning. Is it safe to have a drink at night? This is such a common question, and it makes sense to ask. The safest and most straightforward answer is to avoid alcohol completely while you're taking Vyvanse. The medication is designed to work for a long time, often up to 14 hours. If you do decide to drink, the general advice is to wait at least 24 hours after your dose. This gives the medication time to clear your system, reducing the risk of a dangerous interaction.
What if I only have one drink? Is that still risky? It’s tempting to think that a single drink won’t cause any harm, but it’s still a gamble. The main issue is that Vyvanse can mask the effects of alcohol, so you might not feel the impact of that one drink like you normally would. This can make it harder to stop at just one and can still put unnecessary strain on your heart. Because the interaction is so unpredictable, even a small amount of alcohol isn't worth the risk.
Will drinking alcohol make my Vyvanse less effective for my ADHD? Yes, it absolutely can. Think of it this way: you take Vyvanse to improve your focus, manage impulsivity, and regulate your attention. Alcohol does the exact opposite. It impairs judgment and focus while lowering your inhibitions. When you drink, you're essentially counteracting the benefits of your medication, making it much harder to manage the very symptoms you're trying to treat.
What are the most immediate warning signs that I'm having a bad reaction? Knowing what to look for is critical for your safety. Because this combination puts so much stress on your cardiovascular system, the most urgent signs are related to your heart. If you experience chest pain, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness, it's a red flag. Other serious symptoms include extreme confusion, difficulty breathing, or becoming unresponsive. These are signs of a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately.
Besides the physical health risks, are there other reasons to avoid this combination? Definitely. The impact on your mental well-being is a major concern. If you experience anxiety or irritability as a side effect of Vyvanse, alcohol can make those feelings much worse. It disrupts the balance of chemicals in your brain, which can lead to mood swings and "hangxiety" the next day. It also impairs your judgment, and when combined with the impulsivity that can come with ADHD, it can lead to decisions and risky behaviors you wouldn't normally engage in.
Wondering if alcohol and cough syrup are okay to take at the same time? Read our latest blog to learn why it’s incredibly dangerous and what you can do to stay safe.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app today!
You’re at a friend’s party, and they offer you a drink. But wait. You were up all night coughing last night and took some cough medicine in the middle of the night. Is it okay to drink if you had cough medicine only a few hours earlier? In fact, you might even take another dose tonight just to be safe. Should you take the drink or opt for water?
In this article, we’ll discuss all the reasons why the answer is water.
Codeine is an opiate painkiller used in hospitals to treat pain, but it is also used as an ingredient in some cough suppressants. Codeine is a Schedule 3 drug, meaning it is highly addictive and therefore a controlled substance. It works by suppressing the area of the brain that makes us cough, thereby reducing the number of times we cough. Codeine is also a central nervous system depressant.
Due to growing fears of opioid addiction, codeine is available by prescription only in the U.S. (e.g., Phenergan with Codeine or Robitussin AC). The codeine in many U.S. cough syrups has been replaced with dextromethorphan (DXM), which is synthetically produced and similar to codeine in its effects on the brain and its risk of abuse.
Cough syrup typically has 15 mg of codeine in a 5-mL spoonful. A serving size of cough syrup is typically around 10 mL (30 mg codeine) taken every few hours or 24 hours, depending on the brand. Most cough syrup brands also contain about 10% alcohol, which is used as a solvent or preservative.
Because of the effects of codeine or dextromethorphan on the brain, taking large amounts of cough syrup can actually make you feel drunk.
When used as intended, cough syrup won’t hurt you. However, ingesting more than prescribed means we are ingesting more codeine than we’re supposed to, which can have some pretty nasty side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the common ones:
Ingesting more codeine (or DXM) than prescribed increases the risk of overdose, but how much do we need to take to see these effects? Well, a safe dose is considered no more than 30 mg over 24 hours, and ingesting anything over 300 mg is overdose territory.
But what happens if we take the correct amount and have alcohol with it? Can we mix codeine and alcohol?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking cough medicine that contains codeine or DXM. For one thing, if you’re coughing, you’re probably sick, which means you should avoid alcohol for the time being anyway. If you combine both substances, it can lead to some adverse health effects:
If you or anyone you know has ingested this combination and has any of these side effects, seek medical attention.
Now, let’s go back to our friend’s party. Has it been long enough since we took the cough medicine, or should we wait? The half-life of codeine in the body is around three hours, so it takes around half a day for it to be out of our system. That said, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming alcohol. Better yet, wait until your cough is completely gone, and opt for a mocktail while you wait!
Now that we’ve unpacked the effects of alcohol while taking cough syrup, let’s look at what happens if we mix them on purpose. Unfortunately, mixing codeine or DXM cough syrup with alcohol has become popular in the past couple of decades, especially among young people, who have nicknamed the mixture “Lean,” “Purple Drank,” or “Sizzurp.” Let’s take a closer look at the dangers.
Now that we’re equipped with all our new slang, let’s unpack it a bit more. Drinking or sipping Lean is basically a way for people to use cough syrup as a recreational drug – they drink Purple Drank with the intent to get high. Remember how we said ingesting anything over 300 mg is getting into overdose territory? Well, that’s how much codeine or DXM cough syrup it takes to get high. That means we’d need to ingest ten times the serving size in 24 hours to get “drunk” off cough syrup.
But why drink Lean? Why not just do shots or a beer bong? The rising popularity of it is largely because it gets people “high” (rather than just drunk) in a more accessible way than other opioids like morphine or illegal drugs like heroin. It’s much easier, cheaper, and safer to purchase cough syrup at the pharmacy than to purchase from a dealer in a dark alley. Plus, it’s much less conspicuous.
We’ve said drinking Lean is dangerous, but what’s so bad about it? Let’s take a look:
With these effects in mind, it’s important to note that ingesting Lean can be fatal. If you or a friend has ingested Lean, call poison control at 800-222-1222 (in the U.S.).
What about cough drops? Do the same dangers apply? The good news is that most cough drop brands contain menthol as their active ingredient (which is not dangerous when mixed with alcohol). Some brands, however, contain DXM (not codeine), so it’s important to check the ingredients or ask your doctor about any possible interactions. But we can’t stress this enough: if you’re coughing or have a sore throat, it’s best to avoid alcohol anyway.
Now that we’ve investigated alcohol and codeine, DXM, and cough syrup from various angles, let’s talk about some things we can do to stay safe.
Whether intentional or accidental, mixing cough medicine and alcohol is dangerous. Understanding these dangers and being vigilant about medication labels and cocktail mixes will help keep us safe. No drink is worth the horrible side effects caused by mixing with codeine or DXM, and our body deserves better, especially when we’re sick.
You’re at a friend’s party, and they offer you a drink. But wait. You were up all night coughing last night and took some cough medicine in the middle of the night. Is it okay to drink if you had cough medicine only a few hours earlier? In fact, you might even take another dose tonight just to be safe. Should you take the drink or opt for water?
In this article, we’ll discuss all the reasons why the answer is water.
Codeine is an opiate painkiller used in hospitals to treat pain, but it is also used as an ingredient in some cough suppressants. Codeine is a Schedule 3 drug, meaning it is highly addictive and therefore a controlled substance. It works by suppressing the area of the brain that makes us cough, thereby reducing the number of times we cough. Codeine is also a central nervous system depressant.
Due to growing fears of opioid addiction, codeine is available by prescription only in the U.S. (e.g., Phenergan with Codeine or Robitussin AC). The codeine in many U.S. cough syrups has been replaced with dextromethorphan (DXM), which is synthetically produced and similar to codeine in its effects on the brain and its risk of abuse.
Cough syrup typically has 15 mg of codeine in a 5-mL spoonful. A serving size of cough syrup is typically around 10 mL (30 mg codeine) taken every few hours or 24 hours, depending on the brand. Most cough syrup brands also contain about 10% alcohol, which is used as a solvent or preservative.
Because of the effects of codeine or dextromethorphan on the brain, taking large amounts of cough syrup can actually make you feel drunk.
When used as intended, cough syrup won’t hurt you. However, ingesting more than prescribed means we are ingesting more codeine than we’re supposed to, which can have some pretty nasty side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the common ones:
Ingesting more codeine (or DXM) than prescribed increases the risk of overdose, but how much do we need to take to see these effects? Well, a safe dose is considered no more than 30 mg over 24 hours, and ingesting anything over 300 mg is overdose territory.
But what happens if we take the correct amount and have alcohol with it? Can we mix codeine and alcohol?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking cough medicine that contains codeine or DXM. For one thing, if you’re coughing, you’re probably sick, which means you should avoid alcohol for the time being anyway. If you combine both substances, it can lead to some adverse health effects:
If you or anyone you know has ingested this combination and has any of these side effects, seek medical attention.
Now, let’s go back to our friend’s party. Has it been long enough since we took the cough medicine, or should we wait? The half-life of codeine in the body is around three hours, so it takes around half a day for it to be out of our system. That said, it is best to wait at least 24 hours before consuming alcohol. Better yet, wait until your cough is completely gone, and opt for a mocktail while you wait!
Now that we’ve unpacked the effects of alcohol while taking cough syrup, let’s look at what happens if we mix them on purpose. Unfortunately, mixing codeine or DXM cough syrup with alcohol has become popular in the past couple of decades, especially among young people, who have nicknamed the mixture “Lean,” “Purple Drank,” or “Sizzurp.” Let’s take a closer look at the dangers.
Now that we’re equipped with all our new slang, let’s unpack it a bit more. Drinking or sipping Lean is basically a way for people to use cough syrup as a recreational drug – they drink Purple Drank with the intent to get high. Remember how we said ingesting anything over 300 mg is getting into overdose territory? Well, that’s how much codeine or DXM cough syrup it takes to get high. That means we’d need to ingest ten times the serving size in 24 hours to get “drunk” off cough syrup.
But why drink Lean? Why not just do shots or a beer bong? The rising popularity of it is largely because it gets people “high” (rather than just drunk) in a more accessible way than other opioids like morphine or illegal drugs like heroin. It’s much easier, cheaper, and safer to purchase cough syrup at the pharmacy than to purchase from a dealer in a dark alley. Plus, it’s much less conspicuous.
We’ve said drinking Lean is dangerous, but what’s so bad about it? Let’s take a look:
With these effects in mind, it’s important to note that ingesting Lean can be fatal. If you or a friend has ingested Lean, call poison control at 800-222-1222 (in the U.S.).
What about cough drops? Do the same dangers apply? The good news is that most cough drop brands contain menthol as their active ingredient (which is not dangerous when mixed with alcohol). Some brands, however, contain DXM (not codeine), so it’s important to check the ingredients or ask your doctor about any possible interactions. But we can’t stress this enough: if you’re coughing or have a sore throat, it’s best to avoid alcohol anyway.
Now that we’ve investigated alcohol and codeine, DXM, and cough syrup from various angles, let’s talk about some things we can do to stay safe.
Whether intentional or accidental, mixing cough medicine and alcohol is dangerous. Understanding these dangers and being vigilant about medication labels and cocktail mixes will help keep us safe. No drink is worth the horrible side effects caused by mixing with codeine or DXM, and our body deserves better, especially when we’re sick.
Alcohol doesn’t have any direct interactions with Epclusa but can still have negative effects. Check out our latest blog for more info on mixing the two.
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
We commonly hear that alcohol can be harmful to our liver, which is why those of us with hepatitis C are advised to avoid alcohol. But what about during the treatment of hepatitis C?
Epclusa, a medication frequently prescribed for hepatitis C surprisingly doesn’t state any direct interactions with alcohol. Does this mean it’s ok to drink while taking Epclusa? Not quite. Let’s examine how Epclusa’s mechanism works and how it can indirectly interact with alcohol.
Epclusa is the brand name medication for the combination of the drugs sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. The combination of drugs that make up Epclusa is FDA-approved to treat all six hepatitis genotypes.
Sofosbuvir, one of the components of Epclusa, blocks the enzyme NS5B, which interferes with the reproduction of the virus within our genetic material. Velpatasvir, the other component in Epclusa, blocks the protein NS5A that prevents the virus from replicating. Together, they’re categorized as a direct-acting antiviral that stops hepatitis C from multiplying and infecting new cells.
The medication is commonly prescribed for chronic hepatitis C and can be used for patients with or without cirrhosis (liver damage). Epclusa is a daily medication that is prescribed for a 12-week period to help treat hepatitis C.
Epclusa, like most medications, is associated with a range of side effects. Common side effects of Epclusa include the following:
Less common and more severe side effects include the following:
To determine if drinking on Epclusa is a good idea, let’s first get a better understanding of the condition the medication is used to treat — hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and infection. Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants.
The hepatitis C virus is spread through the blood and can cause both acute and chronic illness. Common symptoms of hepatitis C include the following:
Unlike hepatitis A and B which can be prevented through vaccines, hepatitis C doesn’t have a vaccine and is treated through antivirals. Treatment is crucial, as the CDC reported 15,713 hepatitis C-related deaths in 2018, which is believed to be an underestimate. Epclusa reports a 98% cure rate, but can drinking while taking the medication affect it?
No direct interactions between alcohol and Epclusa have been reported. This means that alcohol won’t directly change Epclusa’s mechanisms in how it prevents the hepatitis C virus from multiplying.
Studies have found, however, that alcohol worsens hepatitis C. Furthermore, a study on hepatitis C and alcohol concluded that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients. A different study reported similar findings and also found that heavy alcohol use impeded patients’ responses to treatment for hepatitis C.
Since Epclusa treats hepatitis C, could it block the damage that alcohol causes to the virus?
While alcohol and Epclusa don’t have strict contraindications or direct interactions, it still isn’t a good idea to drink while taking the medication.
Although alcohol may not directly impact the effectiveness of Epclusa, alcohol’s effects on the systems in our body can indirectly impact the medication and treatment of hepatitis C. That being said, is one drink ok while taking Epclusa?
Since alcohol affects each of us differently depending on individual factors, it’s impossible to determine a safe amount that won’t interfere with hepatitis C treatment.
Most studies review the effects of heavy drinking on hepatitis C, but this analysis of findings from multiple studies shows that moderate drinking can also cause the progression of the disease. Let’s further examine the potential risks of mixing alcohol and Epclusa.
Alcohol’s toxic effects on our organs and systems can indirectly affect Epclusa. Some negative effects of drinking while taking Epclusa include the following:
Drinking while taking Epclusa isn’t recommended, but what about after discontinuing the medication?
Although drinking after stopping Epclusa does not impact hepatitis C treatment and may have fewer side effects, it is still not advisable.
Since alcohol is linked to lowered inhibitions and decreased judgment, it increases the chance of participating in risky behaviors like sharing needles and participating in unsafe sex. Given that the hepatitis C virus is transmitted through contaminated blood, individuals engaging in these activities may likely be at a greater risk of contracting and transmitting hepatitis C.
Alcohol not only increases the risk of contracting hepatitis C, it can also continue to worsen our liver function. Although Epclusa may treat hepatitis C and prevent further damage to our liver from the virus, alcohol also directly harms the liver — increasing the risk of liver disease and liver cancer. Drinking while taking Epclusa and after stopping Epclusa can both have adverse effects. That being said, should we panic if we’ve already had a drink?
If we’ve already unknowingly had a drink, there’s no reason to panic. In fact, panicking will increase our stress levels, which can aggravate many diseases and pathological conditions. There are five simple steps we can take if we’ve had a drink while taking Epclusa:
It’s important to remember that not all harmful effects will be visible to us. Although we may not always experience immediate effects, alcohol is a toxic substance that can affect our body in ways we can’t see. To prevent the risk of complications, let’s review some ways we can navigate Epculsa and alcohol more intentionally.
Although Epclusa and alcohol don’t have any direct interactions, mixing the two can open the door to increased complications and potential risks. Some ways we can prioritize our health and safety include the following mindful drinking practices:
Hepatitis C is unpleasant but can be effectively treated with Epclusa. To give us the best chance to fight back against the virus, quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Epclusa is an effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C that can be affected by alcohol, although indirectly. Drinking may not change the way Epclusa inhibits the spreading of the hepatitis C virus, but it can add to the progression of the condition and negatively affect treatment. To set us up for success, it’s best to quit or cut back on alcohol while taking Epclusa. Give hepatitis C the boot by avoiding mixing alcohol and Epclusa.
We commonly hear that alcohol can be harmful to our liver, which is why those of us with hepatitis C are advised to avoid alcohol. But what about during the treatment of hepatitis C?
Epclusa, a medication frequently prescribed for hepatitis C surprisingly doesn’t state any direct interactions with alcohol. Does this mean it’s ok to drink while taking Epclusa? Not quite. Let’s examine how Epclusa’s mechanism works and how it can indirectly interact with alcohol.
Epclusa is the brand name medication for the combination of the drugs sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. The combination of drugs that make up Epclusa is FDA-approved to treat all six hepatitis genotypes.
Sofosbuvir, one of the components of Epclusa, blocks the enzyme NS5B, which interferes with the reproduction of the virus within our genetic material. Velpatasvir, the other component in Epclusa, blocks the protein NS5A that prevents the virus from replicating. Together, they’re categorized as a direct-acting antiviral that stops hepatitis C from multiplying and infecting new cells.
The medication is commonly prescribed for chronic hepatitis C and can be used for patients with or without cirrhosis (liver damage). Epclusa is a daily medication that is prescribed for a 12-week period to help treat hepatitis C.
Epclusa, like most medications, is associated with a range of side effects. Common side effects of Epclusa include the following:
Less common and more severe side effects include the following:
To determine if drinking on Epclusa is a good idea, let’s first get a better understanding of the condition the medication is used to treat — hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation and infection. Untreated, hepatitis C can lead to liver damage (cirrhosis) and liver cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplants.
The hepatitis C virus is spread through the blood and can cause both acute and chronic illness. Common symptoms of hepatitis C include the following:
Unlike hepatitis A and B which can be prevented through vaccines, hepatitis C doesn’t have a vaccine and is treated through antivirals. Treatment is crucial, as the CDC reported 15,713 hepatitis C-related deaths in 2018, which is believed to be an underestimate. Epclusa reports a 98% cure rate, but can drinking while taking the medication affect it?
No direct interactions between alcohol and Epclusa have been reported. This means that alcohol won’t directly change Epclusa’s mechanisms in how it prevents the hepatitis C virus from multiplying.
Studies have found, however, that alcohol worsens hepatitis C. Furthermore, a study on hepatitis C and alcohol concluded that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing fibrosis and cirrhosis in hepatitis C patients. A different study reported similar findings and also found that heavy alcohol use impeded patients’ responses to treatment for hepatitis C.
Since Epclusa treats hepatitis C, could it block the damage that alcohol causes to the virus?
While alcohol and Epclusa don’t have strict contraindications or direct interactions, it still isn’t a good idea to drink while taking the medication.
Although alcohol may not directly impact the effectiveness of Epclusa, alcohol’s effects on the systems in our body can indirectly impact the medication and treatment of hepatitis C. That being said, is one drink ok while taking Epclusa?
Since alcohol affects each of us differently depending on individual factors, it’s impossible to determine a safe amount that won’t interfere with hepatitis C treatment.
Most studies review the effects of heavy drinking on hepatitis C, but this analysis of findings from multiple studies shows that moderate drinking can also cause the progression of the disease. Let’s further examine the potential risks of mixing alcohol and Epclusa.
Alcohol’s toxic effects on our organs and systems can indirectly affect Epclusa. Some negative effects of drinking while taking Epclusa include the following:
Drinking while taking Epclusa isn’t recommended, but what about after discontinuing the medication?
Although drinking after stopping Epclusa does not impact hepatitis C treatment and may have fewer side effects, it is still not advisable.
Since alcohol is linked to lowered inhibitions and decreased judgment, it increases the chance of participating in risky behaviors like sharing needles and participating in unsafe sex. Given that the hepatitis C virus is transmitted through contaminated blood, individuals engaging in these activities may likely be at a greater risk of contracting and transmitting hepatitis C.
Alcohol not only increases the risk of contracting hepatitis C, it can also continue to worsen our liver function. Although Epclusa may treat hepatitis C and prevent further damage to our liver from the virus, alcohol also directly harms the liver — increasing the risk of liver disease and liver cancer. Drinking while taking Epclusa and after stopping Epclusa can both have adverse effects. That being said, should we panic if we’ve already had a drink?
If we’ve already unknowingly had a drink, there’s no reason to panic. In fact, panicking will increase our stress levels, which can aggravate many diseases and pathological conditions. There are five simple steps we can take if we’ve had a drink while taking Epclusa:
It’s important to remember that not all harmful effects will be visible to us. Although we may not always experience immediate effects, alcohol is a toxic substance that can affect our body in ways we can’t see. To prevent the risk of complications, let’s review some ways we can navigate Epculsa and alcohol more intentionally.
Although Epclusa and alcohol don’t have any direct interactions, mixing the two can open the door to increased complications and potential risks. Some ways we can prioritize our health and safety include the following mindful drinking practices:
Hepatitis C is unpleasant but can be effectively treated with Epclusa. To give us the best chance to fight back against the virus, quitting or cutting back on alcohol is the best course of action.
Epclusa is an effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C that can be affected by alcohol, although indirectly. Drinking may not change the way Epclusa inhibits the spreading of the hepatitis C virus, but it can add to the progression of the condition and negatively affect treatment. To set us up for success, it’s best to quit or cut back on alcohol while taking Epclusa. Give hepatitis C the boot by avoiding mixing alcohol and Epclusa.
Can you drink alcohol while taking phentermine? Science says it’s not the best idea. Find out why in our latest blog!
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
When it comes to losing weight, there are all types of solutions out there. And while it’s not for everyone, medication can help. Among the many options, phentermine (known by the brand name Adipex) is a favorite for some thanks to its powerful hunger-blocking cues. That muffin in the bakery shop window? No longer enticing. Extra helping of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving? No thanks.
But what about that glass of wine? Can you drink on phentermine? What are the dangers of combining Adipex and alcohol? Let’s find out!
Phentermine acts like a sort of neurological amp, increasing the signals of fullness in the brain and dialing down the hunger cues.
According to Drugbank.com, phentermine came onto the scene in 1959 as an anti-obesity drug and became widely used in the ‘60s and beyond. If the “phen” part brings back the memory of lawsuits and long-term health effects, there’s a reason: originally, phentermine was part of a combo that also included fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. The notorious “fen-phen” did, indeed, cause serious heart damage and was discontinued after creating a media stir in the ‘90s. Phentermine eventually came back onto the scene, making a solo re-entrance in 2012.
Phentermine works by causing a release of norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter is known for its role in the fight-or-flight response, which evolved to help us drop everything and jump into necessary action. (With a buffalo chasing us, who has time to finish carving that pineapple?!)
In addition to triggering norepinephrine, phentermine also boosts our dopamine levels. This neurotransmitter is part of the so-called “reward pathway” and is in charge of motivating us to do things that feel good. (So, in addition to getting the boost of alertness we feel from the norepinephrine surge, we also get a motivation kick and feel eager to run from that metaphorical buffalo.)
For those with lingering doubts about phentermine’s safety — yes, it is. Kind of. Needless to say, phentermine is not a “forever” solution and is only prescribed when the dangers of excessive weight outweigh the potential strain on our body if we use it for a longer period of time than recommended.
That said, we should be vigilant and tell our doctor about anything else we’re taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. For example, phentermine doesn’t mix well with many antidepressants and shouldn’t be taken by anyone with a heart condition as it can increase blood pressure. Pregnant women and folks over the age of 65 should also avoid this medication. It can be habit forming because its stimulant properties and dopamine-boosting effect can have a mood-altering effect for some of us who are particularly sensitive to psychoactive substances.
Finally, phentermine works best if it’s combined with a diet and exercise program to create a solid foundation for sustainable weight loss. As much as some of us would like to have a “magic pill” to shed pounds for good, it simply doesn’t exist.
Drinking on phentermine is not a good idea for several reasons. Let’s dig deeper and find out why.
Phentermine doesn’t just decrease our appetite — it also increases our heart rate and blood pressure. (Remember about norepinephrine and running from the buffalo? In addition to putting our hunger cues on hold, a situation that demands our energy in an instant also calls for a cardiovascular spike to give our muscles and sensory organs all the resources we’ve got)
At the same time, alcohol itself isn’t as heart-friendly as the media sometimes leads us to believe. (Many of the “heart benefits” in wine, for instance, come from antioxidants that are easily found in grapes or pomegranate — without the dangerous add-ons of booze.) In fact, alcohol can cause heart palpitations and sometimes lead to the so-called “holiday heart syndrome” if we overdo it. Alcohol also tends to lower our blood pressure at first due to vasodilation before leading to a rebound spike later on. (For more information, check out “How Does Alcohol Affect the Heart?”)
The combination of alcohol and phentermine can lead to dangerous cardiovascular side effects, such as blood pressure fluctuations and increased heart rate. Since both substances alone are hard on the heart, combining them ups the risk even more.
Moreover, mixing stimulants (such as phentermine) and depressants (alcohol) can cause unpredictable cognitive effects. In addition to taxing our cardiovascular system, the combination can lead to neurological effects such as memory glitches, disruptions in normal thinking and decision-making processes, and increased drug-seeking behavior. (To learn more, take a look at “The Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine.”)
Both alcohol and phentermine can lead to dehydration. According to NIAAA, alcohol suppresses vasopressin, a hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to fluids. The result? Those incessant trips to the bathroom throughout the evening (and night) and a nasty hangover headache the morning after. (For an in-depth look, check out “Breaking the Seal: Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee So Much?”)
Phentermine is known to cause dehydration and dry mouth as well, so combining it with alcohol can leave us feeling extra parched.
Over time, combining phentermine with alcohol can lead to more serious problems.
Combining alcohol and phentermine is counterproductive in the long run. Why? If our goal is to lose weight, alcohol is not our friend. Let’s take a deeper look.
Want more information? Check out “The Link Between Alcohol and Unwanted Weight Gain.”
Finally, there’s a slippery slope when relying on substances for mood regulation or weight loss, leading to potential dependence or misuse. Remember dopamine, the reward neurotransmitter? Both alcohol and phentermine boost dopamine levels in a way that leads to a higher surge of motivation and pleasure than our brain is naturally designed for.
This is another reason why phentermine shouldn’t be used on a long-term basis: the brain gets used to a “free” boost of dopamine on demand and starts “demanding” more, sometimes with devastating effects such as dependence, overdose, and the possibility of transfer addictions. We’re likely to start using the substance that’s causing the dopamine rush just to feel normal, and we might even increase our dose over time. This potential for dependence is something to keep in mind when considering phentermine as a treatment option, especially if we have a history of substance misuse, including alcohol. It’s crucial to be honest with our healthcare provider about this part of our history to avoid serious problems down the road.
While both phentermine and alcohol alone can lead to dependence, combining the two ups our risk even more. With dopamine flooding our brain from two sources, it can be that much easier to get stuck in a dangerous cycle of potential addiction and misuse.
If drinking on phentermine isn’t recommended, when is it safe? For example, you might be wondering, “If I take phentermine in the morning, can I drink at night?”
It’s not a good idea.
Phentermine has a half life of about 20 hours, but stays in your system for as long as 4 days. So it’s better to wait at least a few days.
Finally, here are some tips to help you along the way.
With these tips, you can stay on track in your weight loss journey and make sure that alcohol doesn’t derail your efforts.
While changing our eating habits (with or without phentermine) and our alcohol habits alike can feel challenging, it’s important to keep the long-term goal in mind: you’re on the way to a happier and healthier version of yourself! There are bound to be ups and downs along the way, but it will be worth it.
In the end, it’s all about perspective. Looking at weight loss (and alcohol reduction) as an active choice we’re making to improve our lives can make the road that much easier. As Linda Spangle writes in 100 Days of Weight Loss: The Secret to Being Successful on Any Diet Plan, “Starting today, instead of saying ‘I have to’ when discussing your actions or goals, substitute the words ‘I choose to’ … ‘I have to lose weight’ becomes ‘I choose to lose weight.’ Saying ‘I choose to’ puts you in charge and affirms that you want to see results.”
When it comes to losing weight, there are all types of solutions out there. And while it’s not for everyone, medication can help. Among the many options, phentermine (known by the brand name Adipex) is a favorite for some thanks to its powerful hunger-blocking cues. That muffin in the bakery shop window? No longer enticing. Extra helping of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving? No thanks.
But what about that glass of wine? Can you drink on phentermine? What are the dangers of combining Adipex and alcohol? Let’s find out!
Phentermine acts like a sort of neurological amp, increasing the signals of fullness in the brain and dialing down the hunger cues.
According to Drugbank.com, phentermine came onto the scene in 1959 as an anti-obesity drug and became widely used in the ‘60s and beyond. If the “phen” part brings back the memory of lawsuits and long-term health effects, there’s a reason: originally, phentermine was part of a combo that also included fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine. The notorious “fen-phen” did, indeed, cause serious heart damage and was discontinued after creating a media stir in the ‘90s. Phentermine eventually came back onto the scene, making a solo re-entrance in 2012.
Phentermine works by causing a release of norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter is known for its role in the fight-or-flight response, which evolved to help us drop everything and jump into necessary action. (With a buffalo chasing us, who has time to finish carving that pineapple?!)
In addition to triggering norepinephrine, phentermine also boosts our dopamine levels. This neurotransmitter is part of the so-called “reward pathway” and is in charge of motivating us to do things that feel good. (So, in addition to getting the boost of alertness we feel from the norepinephrine surge, we also get a motivation kick and feel eager to run from that metaphorical buffalo.)
For those with lingering doubts about phentermine’s safety — yes, it is. Kind of. Needless to say, phentermine is not a “forever” solution and is only prescribed when the dangers of excessive weight outweigh the potential strain on our body if we use it for a longer period of time than recommended.
That said, we should be vigilant and tell our doctor about anything else we’re taking in order to avoid potentially dangerous interactions. For example, phentermine doesn’t mix well with many antidepressants and shouldn’t be taken by anyone with a heart condition as it can increase blood pressure. Pregnant women and folks over the age of 65 should also avoid this medication. It can be habit forming because its stimulant properties and dopamine-boosting effect can have a mood-altering effect for some of us who are particularly sensitive to psychoactive substances.
Finally, phentermine works best if it’s combined with a diet and exercise program to create a solid foundation for sustainable weight loss. As much as some of us would like to have a “magic pill” to shed pounds for good, it simply doesn’t exist.
Drinking on phentermine is not a good idea for several reasons. Let’s dig deeper and find out why.
Phentermine doesn’t just decrease our appetite — it also increases our heart rate and blood pressure. (Remember about norepinephrine and running from the buffalo? In addition to putting our hunger cues on hold, a situation that demands our energy in an instant also calls for a cardiovascular spike to give our muscles and sensory organs all the resources we’ve got)
At the same time, alcohol itself isn’t as heart-friendly as the media sometimes leads us to believe. (Many of the “heart benefits” in wine, for instance, come from antioxidants that are easily found in grapes or pomegranate — without the dangerous add-ons of booze.) In fact, alcohol can cause heart palpitations and sometimes lead to the so-called “holiday heart syndrome” if we overdo it. Alcohol also tends to lower our blood pressure at first due to vasodilation before leading to a rebound spike later on. (For more information, check out “How Does Alcohol Affect the Heart?”)
The combination of alcohol and phentermine can lead to dangerous cardiovascular side effects, such as blood pressure fluctuations and increased heart rate. Since both substances alone are hard on the heart, combining them ups the risk even more.
Moreover, mixing stimulants (such as phentermine) and depressants (alcohol) can cause unpredictable cognitive effects. In addition to taxing our cardiovascular system, the combination can lead to neurological effects such as memory glitches, disruptions in normal thinking and decision-making processes, and increased drug-seeking behavior. (To learn more, take a look at “The Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol and Caffeine.”)
Both alcohol and phentermine can lead to dehydration. According to NIAAA, alcohol suppresses vasopressin, a hormone that tells the kidneys to hold on to fluids. The result? Those incessant trips to the bathroom throughout the evening (and night) and a nasty hangover headache the morning after. (For an in-depth look, check out “Breaking the Seal: Why Does Alcohol Make You Pee So Much?”)
Phentermine is known to cause dehydration and dry mouth as well, so combining it with alcohol can leave us feeling extra parched.
Over time, combining phentermine with alcohol can lead to more serious problems.
Combining alcohol and phentermine is counterproductive in the long run. Why? If our goal is to lose weight, alcohol is not our friend. Let’s take a deeper look.
Want more information? Check out “The Link Between Alcohol and Unwanted Weight Gain.”
Finally, there’s a slippery slope when relying on substances for mood regulation or weight loss, leading to potential dependence or misuse. Remember dopamine, the reward neurotransmitter? Both alcohol and phentermine boost dopamine levels in a way that leads to a higher surge of motivation and pleasure than our brain is naturally designed for.
This is another reason why phentermine shouldn’t be used on a long-term basis: the brain gets used to a “free” boost of dopamine on demand and starts “demanding” more, sometimes with devastating effects such as dependence, overdose, and the possibility of transfer addictions. We’re likely to start using the substance that’s causing the dopamine rush just to feel normal, and we might even increase our dose over time. This potential for dependence is something to keep in mind when considering phentermine as a treatment option, especially if we have a history of substance misuse, including alcohol. It’s crucial to be honest with our healthcare provider about this part of our history to avoid serious problems down the road.
While both phentermine and alcohol alone can lead to dependence, combining the two ups our risk even more. With dopamine flooding our brain from two sources, it can be that much easier to get stuck in a dangerous cycle of potential addiction and misuse.
If drinking on phentermine isn’t recommended, when is it safe? For example, you might be wondering, “If I take phentermine in the morning, can I drink at night?”
It’s not a good idea.
Phentermine has a half life of about 20 hours, but stays in your system for as long as 4 days. So it’s better to wait at least a few days.
Finally, here are some tips to help you along the way.
With these tips, you can stay on track in your weight loss journey and make sure that alcohol doesn’t derail your efforts.
While changing our eating habits (with or without phentermine) and our alcohol habits alike can feel challenging, it’s important to keep the long-term goal in mind: you’re on the way to a happier and healthier version of yourself! There are bound to be ups and downs along the way, but it will be worth it.
In the end, it’s all about perspective. Looking at weight loss (and alcohol reduction) as an active choice we’re making to improve our lives can make the road that much easier. As Linda Spangle writes in 100 Days of Weight Loss: The Secret to Being Successful on Any Diet Plan, “Starting today, instead of saying ‘I have to’ when discussing your actions or goals, substitute the words ‘I choose to’ … ‘I have to lose weight’ becomes ‘I choose to lose weight.’ Saying ‘I choose to’ puts you in charge and affirms that you want to see results.”
Feeling congested and reaching for something to help? Phenylephrine is an over-the-counter decongestant that can help, but should it be mixed with alcohol?
Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Reframe app can help you cut back on drinking gradually with the science-backed knowledge to empower you 100% of the way. Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world drink less and live more. And we want to help you get there, too!
The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance.
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
And that’s not all! Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!).
The Reframe app is free for 7 days, so you don’t have anything to lose by trying it. Are you ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Then download our app through the App Store or Google Play today!
In the complex landscape of medication usage and lifestyle choices, understanding the interactions between substances is paramount for ensuring optimal health and well-being. Among these interactions, the interplay between alcohol consumption and certain medications has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications. One such medication of interest is phenylephrine, a commonly used decongestant found in various over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Yet, while phenylephrine serves as a remedy for nasal congestion, its interaction with alcohol remains relatively understudied and poorly understood.
Let’s unpack the intricate relationship between alcohol and phenylephrine, and shed some light on the potential risks and consequences that may arise from their co-administration. We’ll navigate through the science and learn about the implications behind this often-overlooked interaction.
Phenylephrine, also known by the brand name Sudafed PE, is in a class of medications called decongestants. Phenylephrine is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve nasal discomfort from colds or allergies. It often has HCl added to it to increase the absorption (known as phenylephrine HCl), kind of the way vitamin D is added to milk to increase the absorption of calcium.
The medication works by reducing swelling in the nose and relieving congestion, making it easier to breathe. Phenylephrine, however, is not to be confused with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which is sold behind the counter at pharmacies. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are two different medications: phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a medication you can get over-the-counter without going to the pharmacy counter, while you have to go to the pharmacy counter with a valid ID to get pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Phenylephrine has a chemical structure that resembles epinephrine (adrenaline), which is a hormone and neurotransmitter in the body. Specifically, phenylephrine targets a specific receptor of epinephrine called the alpha-adrenergic receptor, which is basically a fancy term for a receptor that regulates blood pressure. When activated, this receptor leads to vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to areas such as the skin, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and brain. In the case of phenylephrine, the blood vessels in the nasal passages constrict, which decreases the swelling and congestion, giving us relief.
As is normal when taking medications, there are side effects associated with phenylephrine. Let’s review some common ones:
In some cases, as the medication wears off, there is a rebound effect, in which the congestion becomes worse than it was before taking the medication. Serious side effects are rare but do occur:
If you’re taking phenylephrine and experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention and stop taking the medication immediately.
Before we talk about the interactions of phenylephrine with alcohol, let’s look at how our body responds to alcohol.
We know that alcohol affects many aspects of our body. It is also psychoactive, meaning it impacts our brain. Notoriously, alcohol is a depressant and slows down our central nervous system. One of the neurotransmitters affected by alcohol is epinephrine, which is increased during acute alcohol consumption. This increase in epinephrine can increase our heart rate and cause sleep disruption.
Alcohol also impacts our blood and blood vessels. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it expands our blood vessels throughout the body. Vasodilation can lead us to feeling warm, but the dilation also means our heart has to pump harder to push blood throughout our body, which decreases our blood pressure in the short term yet increases it in the long term. The lower blood pressure may cause an altered mental state, decrease the rate of breathing, and cause fainting or feelings of dizziness.
The heart is also affected by alcohol. When we start consuming alcohol, our heart rate can increase, and long-term alcohol use can weaken our heart and increase our chances of developing cardiovascular disease and having a stroke or heart attack.
So how does this change if we consume both alcohol and phenylephrine HCl at the same time? Let’s review the interaction between phenylephrine HCl and alcohol.
The interaction between alcohol and phenylephrine can intensify the side effects of each. Here are some of the effects of this interaction on the body:
As we can see, drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine can intensify our reaction to the medication and cause additional unpleasant side effects. These effects are more than just unpleasant, however — they are downright dangerous to our health.
Aside from intensifying the symptoms of both alcohol and phenylephrine, mixing the two substances comes with its own risks. Let’s review some of them:
The risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine can be severe, especially if we’re taking more phenylephrine than we’re supposed to or drinking a lot while taking it. But how much is “a lot”? Can you drink on phenylephrine?
Most medical professionals advise against drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine, especially since we shouldn’t be taking phenylephrine long term. If we’re taking phenylephrine to ward off symptoms of the cold or flu, drinking alcohol can delay our recovery, as alcohol impairs our immune system. Avoiding alcohol while we’re sick is the best way to recover more quickly.
Having one drink while taking phenylephrine will likely not end in immediate harm. Nevertheless, alcohol is still toxic to the body, and we should consult a medical professional before drinking while on phenylephrine.
Let’s say we recovered from our cold and are ready to have alcohol again. You may be wondering how long after taking phenylephrine you can drink alcohol. The half-life of phenylephrine is between 2 and 3 hours but will take about 5 to 6 hours to be eliminated completely from the body. It’s best to wait between 12 to 24 hours after taking your last dose of phenylephrine if you plan to start drinking alcohol again.
We’ve learned that when we have a cold or are fighting off seasonal allergies with phenylephrine, it’s best to avoid alcohol. That’s true if we’re sick in general. So, let’s explore some alternatives to alcohol that we can indulge in.
This nonexhaustive list presents just a few of the many alcohol-free alternatives there are to enjoy while taking phenylephrine — or if you’re simply looking to quit or cut back on alcohol.
Mixing phenylephrine and alcohol can result in increased side effects of both substances. Although drinking alcohol while on phenylephrine will likely not end in death, it’s still hazardous to your health and not recommended.
In the complex landscape of medication usage and lifestyle choices, understanding the interactions between substances is paramount for ensuring optimal health and well-being. Among these interactions, the interplay between alcohol consumption and certain medications has garnered significant attention due to its potential implications. One such medication of interest is phenylephrine, a commonly used decongestant found in various over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Yet, while phenylephrine serves as a remedy for nasal congestion, its interaction with alcohol remains relatively understudied and poorly understood.
Let’s unpack the intricate relationship between alcohol and phenylephrine, and shed some light on the potential risks and consequences that may arise from their co-administration. We’ll navigate through the science and learn about the implications behind this often-overlooked interaction.
Phenylephrine, also known by the brand name Sudafed PE, is in a class of medications called decongestants. Phenylephrine is an over-the-counter medicine used to relieve nasal discomfort from colds or allergies. It often has HCl added to it to increase the absorption (known as phenylephrine HCl), kind of the way vitamin D is added to milk to increase the absorption of calcium.
The medication works by reducing swelling in the nose and relieving congestion, making it easier to breathe. Phenylephrine, however, is not to be confused with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), which is sold behind the counter at pharmacies. Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are two different medications: phenylephrine (Sudafed PE) is a medication you can get over-the-counter without going to the pharmacy counter, while you have to go to the pharmacy counter with a valid ID to get pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Phenylephrine has a chemical structure that resembles epinephrine (adrenaline), which is a hormone and neurotransmitter in the body. Specifically, phenylephrine targets a specific receptor of epinephrine called the alpha-adrenergic receptor, which is basically a fancy term for a receptor that regulates blood pressure. When activated, this receptor leads to vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to areas such as the skin, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and brain. In the case of phenylephrine, the blood vessels in the nasal passages constrict, which decreases the swelling and congestion, giving us relief.
As is normal when taking medications, there are side effects associated with phenylephrine. Let’s review some common ones:
In some cases, as the medication wears off, there is a rebound effect, in which the congestion becomes worse than it was before taking the medication. Serious side effects are rare but do occur:
If you’re taking phenylephrine and experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical attention and stop taking the medication immediately.
Before we talk about the interactions of phenylephrine with alcohol, let’s look at how our body responds to alcohol.
We know that alcohol affects many aspects of our body. It is also psychoactive, meaning it impacts our brain. Notoriously, alcohol is a depressant and slows down our central nervous system. One of the neurotransmitters affected by alcohol is epinephrine, which is increased during acute alcohol consumption. This increase in epinephrine can increase our heart rate and cause sleep disruption.
Alcohol also impacts our blood and blood vessels. Alcohol acts as a vasodilator, meaning it expands our blood vessels throughout the body. Vasodilation can lead us to feeling warm, but the dilation also means our heart has to pump harder to push blood throughout our body, which decreases our blood pressure in the short term yet increases it in the long term. The lower blood pressure may cause an altered mental state, decrease the rate of breathing, and cause fainting or feelings of dizziness.
The heart is also affected by alcohol. When we start consuming alcohol, our heart rate can increase, and long-term alcohol use can weaken our heart and increase our chances of developing cardiovascular disease and having a stroke or heart attack.
So how does this change if we consume both alcohol and phenylephrine HCl at the same time? Let’s review the interaction between phenylephrine HCl and alcohol.
The interaction between alcohol and phenylephrine can intensify the side effects of each. Here are some of the effects of this interaction on the body:
As we can see, drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine can intensify our reaction to the medication and cause additional unpleasant side effects. These effects are more than just unpleasant, however — they are downright dangerous to our health.
Aside from intensifying the symptoms of both alcohol and phenylephrine, mixing the two substances comes with its own risks. Let’s review some of them:
The risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine can be severe, especially if we’re taking more phenylephrine than we’re supposed to or drinking a lot while taking it. But how much is “a lot”? Can you drink on phenylephrine?
Most medical professionals advise against drinking alcohol while taking phenylephrine, especially since we shouldn’t be taking phenylephrine long term. If we’re taking phenylephrine to ward off symptoms of the cold or flu, drinking alcohol can delay our recovery, as alcohol impairs our immune system. Avoiding alcohol while we’re sick is the best way to recover more quickly.
Having one drink while taking phenylephrine will likely not end in immediate harm. Nevertheless, alcohol is still toxic to the body, and we should consult a medical professional before drinking while on phenylephrine.
Let’s say we recovered from our cold and are ready to have alcohol again. You may be wondering how long after taking phenylephrine you can drink alcohol. The half-life of phenylephrine is between 2 and 3 hours but will take about 5 to 6 hours to be eliminated completely from the body. It’s best to wait between 12 to 24 hours after taking your last dose of phenylephrine if you plan to start drinking alcohol again.
We’ve learned that when we have a cold or are fighting off seasonal allergies with phenylephrine, it’s best to avoid alcohol. That’s true if we’re sick in general. So, let’s explore some alternatives to alcohol that we can indulge in.
This nonexhaustive list presents just a few of the many alcohol-free alternatives there are to enjoy while taking phenylephrine — or if you’re simply looking to quit or cut back on alcohol.
Mixing phenylephrine and alcohol can result in increased side effects of both substances. Although drinking alcohol while on phenylephrine will likely not end in death, it’s still hazardous to your health and not recommended.
Keppra is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. Check out our latest blog for more information about Keppra’s interactions with alcohol.
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Having a seizure can be an unpleasant experience, especially for those with epilepsy. Keppra (known by the generic name levetiracetam) is commonly prescribed to treat seizures in epilepsy patients. But what about mixing Keppra and alcohol? How does Keppra affect us, and can we drink alcohol while taking it? Let’s learn more about levetiracetam and alcohol, and what happens if we mix the two.
Keppra may be prescribed to control various types of seizures, but it is not a cure for epilepsy. Therefore, most patients who are prescribed Keppra need to be on it for a long time and require a doctor’s supervision when they stop taking it.
Keppra is part of a class of medications known as “anticonvulsants,” that are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. The exact dosage depends on the patient but is typically taken daily. The amount of time someone stays on Keppra also varies depending on the patient, but some take it for up to five years. If you stop taking it, it must be done slowly and under the guidance of a doctor.
There are few Keppra uses beyond treating epilepsy, but it is sometimes used to treat seizures during alcohol withdrawal.
But what causes a seizure? Seizures are caused by too much “excitatory” activity in the brain. Anticonvulsant drugs, in general, alter electrical activity in the brain’s neurons and increase GABA, which calms this excitatory activity. Keppra works by decreasing the excess excitation in the brain and increasing inhibition.
The side effects of Keppra vary depending on the type of seizure being treated, but they can all be pretty worrisome:
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek medical attention. In the United States, you can reach your local crisis hotline by dialing 988. Click here for a list of mental crisis phone numbers by country.
So, we know what Keppra is and what it does, but what does the Keppra alcohol interaction do to us? Well, not only does it affect our brain, but it affects other parts of our body as well. Let’s examine each of these in more detail.
Remember those nasty side effects of Keppra we talked about earlier? Well, bringing alcohol into the mix can exacerbate them. Since alcohol affects the brain, it can interfere with the work that Keppra is trying to do to treat the brain. The combination can cause a range of reactions from increased drowsiness to extreme sedation to mood swings to depression to suicidal thoughts.
The use of alcohol on its own can induce a seizure in some people with epilepsy. Combine that with making Keppra less effective, and you have a recipe for trouble.
The bottom line is that it’s best to avoid alcohol while taking Keppra, and definitely not to have more than 14 units of alcohol per week if you do plan to drink.
Even if we’re not taking Keppra, alcohol is bad news for those of us with epilepsy. Consuming more than two drinks per day puts epileptics at risk for seizures, so it’s best to avoid it if you have epilepsy. Alcohol is actually one of the most common triggers for epileptic seizures.
While most alcohol-related seizures occur as a result of withdrawal, heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of developing seizures in people who don’t have epilepsy. One study shows that a person’s seizure threshold — meaning how likely the brain is to have a seizure — increases after heavy alcohol use (particularly three drinks or more per day).
Both alcohol and Keppra depress the central nervous system (CNS), slowing down the body’s functions. When we combine multiple substances that depress the central nervous system, we set ourselves up for a major imbalance of chemicals in the brain that can lead to severe sedation and even a coma. Not only that, combining alcohol and Keppra can heighten each other’s side effects of dizziness or fatigue, both of which are symptoms of CNS depression.
We know alcohol damages the liver, but what about Keppra? As it turns out, Keppra has been linked to liver damage in some rare cases. While the research on this is minimal, it’s not worth the risk of further damaging the liver by adding alcohol to the mix.
Alcohol damages the kidneys by disrupting the hormones that regulate kidney function. Keppra is mainly processed and eliminated by the kidneys, so any damage to the kidneys from alcohol means that the kidneys can’t eliminate as much Keppra from the body. This means our dosage of Keppra needs to be reduced, which gives us less protection against seizures.
We’ve talked about the side effects of Keppra and how mood swings and depression are among those. But did you know that alcohol also has a negative effect on our mood? While that first sip may make us feel relaxed and ready to socialize, alcohol can conjure up a whole lot of negative emotions. Once the alcohol has left our body, we experience a sudden decrease in GABA, the calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, which leads to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and irritability (For more information, check out our blog “Why Does Alcohol Make Me Moody the Next Day?”). If we combine these negative effects of alcohol with the side effects of Keppra, we have a much higher risk of severe mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
Say we’re ready to get off Keppra and have been slowly doing so under the supervision of our doctor, now what? How long do we need to wait if we plan to consume alcohol? It can take up to 44 hours for Keppra to be completely out of our system after the last dose, so it’s best to wait at least that long before consuming any alcohol. But just because our seizures are under control doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Keep in mind that consuming more than two drinks per day puts epileptics at risk for seizures, so it’s best for anyone who has epilepsy to avoid alcohol. And since there is limited research on Keppra, and the dosage varies so widely among patients, it’s best to talk to your doctor before consuming any alcohol.
Mixing alcohol with Keppra has some pretty nasty effects, but luckily there are plenty of things we can do to stay safe and prioritize our health. Keep these tips in mind:
All of these activities will lead you down the road to better health and safety while taking Keppra.
Undergoing treatment for epilepsy can be a lot to think about, and since the brain is such a complex piece of equipment, there are still many mechanisms to its interactions that we don’t fully understand (ironic, isn’t it, since we use our brains to study other brains.) Keppra in particular is understudied, which is even more reason to leave the booze behind when taking it. And just remember that we’re not only doing our brains a favor by cutting out the booze, we’re opening up our lives to a whole world of happier, healthier habits.
Having a seizure can be an unpleasant experience, especially for those with epilepsy. Keppra (known by the generic name levetiracetam) is commonly prescribed to treat seizures in epilepsy patients. But what about mixing Keppra and alcohol? How does Keppra affect us, and can we drink alcohol while taking it? Let’s learn more about levetiracetam and alcohol, and what happens if we mix the two.
Keppra may be prescribed to control various types of seizures, but it is not a cure for epilepsy. Therefore, most patients who are prescribed Keppra need to be on it for a long time and require a doctor’s supervision when they stop taking it.
Keppra is part of a class of medications known as “anticonvulsants,” that are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. The exact dosage depends on the patient but is typically taken daily. The amount of time someone stays on Keppra also varies depending on the patient, but some take it for up to five years. If you stop taking it, it must be done slowly and under the guidance of a doctor.
There are few Keppra uses beyond treating epilepsy, but it is sometimes used to treat seizures during alcohol withdrawal.
But what causes a seizure? Seizures are caused by too much “excitatory” activity in the brain. Anticonvulsant drugs, in general, alter electrical activity in the brain’s neurons and increase GABA, which calms this excitatory activity. Keppra works by decreasing the excess excitation in the brain and increasing inhibition.
The side effects of Keppra vary depending on the type of seizure being treated, but they can all be pretty worrisome:
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek medical attention. In the United States, you can reach your local crisis hotline by dialing 988. Click here for a list of mental crisis phone numbers by country.
So, we know what Keppra is and what it does, but what does the Keppra alcohol interaction do to us? Well, not only does it affect our brain, but it affects other parts of our body as well. Let’s examine each of these in more detail.
Remember those nasty side effects of Keppra we talked about earlier? Well, bringing alcohol into the mix can exacerbate them. Since alcohol affects the brain, it can interfere with the work that Keppra is trying to do to treat the brain. The combination can cause a range of reactions from increased drowsiness to extreme sedation to mood swings to depression to suicidal thoughts.
The use of alcohol on its own can induce a seizure in some people with epilepsy. Combine that with making Keppra less effective, and you have a recipe for trouble.
The bottom line is that it’s best to avoid alcohol while taking Keppra, and definitely not to have more than 14 units of alcohol per week if you do plan to drink.
Even if we’re not taking Keppra, alcohol is bad news for those of us with epilepsy. Consuming more than two drinks per day puts epileptics at risk for seizures, so it’s best to avoid it if you have epilepsy. Alcohol is actually one of the most common triggers for epileptic seizures.
While most alcohol-related seizures occur as a result of withdrawal, heavy alcohol use can increase the risk of developing seizures in people who don’t have epilepsy. One study shows that a person’s seizure threshold — meaning how likely the brain is to have a seizure — increases after heavy alcohol use (particularly three drinks or more per day).
Both alcohol and Keppra depress the central nervous system (CNS), slowing down the body’s functions. When we combine multiple substances that depress the central nervous system, we set ourselves up for a major imbalance of chemicals in the brain that can lead to severe sedation and even a coma. Not only that, combining alcohol and Keppra can heighten each other’s side effects of dizziness or fatigue, both of which are symptoms of CNS depression.
We know alcohol damages the liver, but what about Keppra? As it turns out, Keppra has been linked to liver damage in some rare cases. While the research on this is minimal, it’s not worth the risk of further damaging the liver by adding alcohol to the mix.
Alcohol damages the kidneys by disrupting the hormones that regulate kidney function. Keppra is mainly processed and eliminated by the kidneys, so any damage to the kidneys from alcohol means that the kidneys can’t eliminate as much Keppra from the body. This means our dosage of Keppra needs to be reduced, which gives us less protection against seizures.
We’ve talked about the side effects of Keppra and how mood swings and depression are among those. But did you know that alcohol also has a negative effect on our mood? While that first sip may make us feel relaxed and ready to socialize, alcohol can conjure up a whole lot of negative emotions. Once the alcohol has left our body, we experience a sudden decrease in GABA, the calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, which leads to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and irritability (For more information, check out our blog “Why Does Alcohol Make Me Moody the Next Day?”). If we combine these negative effects of alcohol with the side effects of Keppra, we have a much higher risk of severe mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
Say we’re ready to get off Keppra and have been slowly doing so under the supervision of our doctor, now what? How long do we need to wait if we plan to consume alcohol? It can take up to 44 hours for Keppra to be completely out of our system after the last dose, so it’s best to wait at least that long before consuming any alcohol. But just because our seizures are under control doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Keep in mind that consuming more than two drinks per day puts epileptics at risk for seizures, so it’s best for anyone who has epilepsy to avoid alcohol. And since there is limited research on Keppra, and the dosage varies so widely among patients, it’s best to talk to your doctor before consuming any alcohol.
Mixing alcohol with Keppra has some pretty nasty effects, but luckily there are plenty of things we can do to stay safe and prioritize our health. Keep these tips in mind:
All of these activities will lead you down the road to better health and safety while taking Keppra.
Undergoing treatment for epilepsy can be a lot to think about, and since the brain is such a complex piece of equipment, there are still many mechanisms to its interactions that we don’t fully understand (ironic, isn’t it, since we use our brains to study other brains.) Keppra in particular is understudied, which is even more reason to leave the booze behind when taking it. And just remember that we’re not only doing our brains a favor by cutting out the booze, we’re opening up our lives to a whole world of happier, healthier habits.
