Do alcohol and medications mix?

Many people who drink alcohol also take medications, so it’s important to understand what might happen if they’re taken together, particularly by those who are regular drinkers.

In general, there are two main ways alcohol can affect how medications work:

1. by changing the way medications are broken down by the liver, leading to either too little or too much medication in the body than intended; and
2. by increasing or decreasing the expected effects of medications.

As alcohol has a sedating effect on our central nervous system, it can make medicines that also have a calming or relaxing effect stronger. These include opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, methadone), benzodiazepines (e.g. Valium), sleeping tablets, some medicines used for anxiety, some antidepressants, and antihistamines.

Over sedation can increase risk of accidents and injuries while driving and operating machinery, increase risk of falls, and make it harder to think clearly. Over sedation can also lead to shallow breathing, and in some case can cause people to stop breathing completely.

Drinking alcohol with medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, including ibuprofen and naproxen) increase risk for stomach upset and stomach bleeding.

Some combinations of medications and alcohol may harm the liver.

Always read the specific medication’s directions for use, and take warning labels seriously.

If in doubt, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on medicines and alcohol, you can visit the Australian government funded website Health Direct.