Benzos and Alcohol
Dangers of Mixing Benzos and Alcohol Combining medications (prescribed or not prescribed) with alcohol can have unpredictable and unwanted consequences. We can help ourselves, our friends, and our community by understanding the dangers and taking steps to prevent harm and get alcoholism treatment. Most fatal overdoses involve the use of more than one type of drug (poly-drug use). If you’re taking any medications—either those prescribed by a doctor or over-the-counter cold and allergy medicine—it’s not a good idea to drink alcohol. Often, the medication label will warn you not to—because of the possible dangerous side effects. Read the label! You’ll find lots of good info, like: The medication’s active ingredients, including ingredient amounts in each dose The medication’s purpose and uses Dosage instructions—when and how to take it Specific warnings about interactions (with alcohol and other drugs) Activities to avoid The medication’s inactive ingredients (important to help people avoid an allergic reaction) Some medications—including many popular painkillers and cough, cold, and allergy remedies—contain more than one ingredient that can react with alcohol. Read the label on the medication bottle to find out exactly what ingredients a medicine contains. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about how alcohol might interact with a drug…