No, alcohol should not be taken with any cold medication without consulting a healthcare professional first. Many cold medications, such as cough syrups and decongestants, contain ingredients that can interact with alcohol and lead to dangerous side effects. For example, mixing alcohol with some cold medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and difficulty breathing. In addition, drinking alcohol while taking certain cold medications can increase the risk of liver failure.

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But many people find sobriety achievable with the right professional help, self-care strategies and community. For someone with a sore throat, cold or cough, alcohol can exacerbate these symptoms. In cases of suspected overdose or poisoning, immediate medical attention is required. The management may involve aggressive monitoring and intervention to stabilize the patient’s condition. For those struggling with misuse or addiction, seeking professional treatment from facilities like The Recovery Village can provide the necessary support for recovery.

Metformin and alcohol risks and interactions

Alcohol can interact with certain drugs or exacerbate the medical and mental health conditions you’re being treated for. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific medications and health status. Dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient in some of the most widely used cold medicines, is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational drug.

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• There are several interactions, particularly at high doses, and they do not produce complementary psychoactive effects.
• Both substances have similar effects on the body, and when combined, they can cause additive side effects, increasing the risk of overdose.
• You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings.
• This can lead to irregular heart rate, dizziness, delusions, seizures, and even toxicity and overdose.
• It’s important to note that every person’s journey toward recovery is different, so it’s crucial to find a treatment plan that works best for them with the help of a healthcare professional or addiction specialist.

If you have a medical condition (such as atrial fibrillation) that puts you at risk for developing a blood clot, your doctor might prescribe anticoagulant medications to “thin” your blood. While these drugs make it less likely your body will form blood clots, they also make you bleed more easily. Certain types of anti-nausea medication can be used to help someone who is trying to stop drinking alcohol. When used under medical supervision, the combination can be an effective way to treat alcohol withdrawal. If you take any medication—even over-the-counter (OTC) products—drinking alcohol might affect how your meds work.

Allergy, Cold, and Flu Medications

After joining Virta, Dulce came off metformin, reduced her A1c by a full point and lost 35 pounds in just seven months… All while being able to treat herself safely to the occasional glass of wine. Overcoming alcohol abuse disorders takes determination and a strong support system.

Symptoms of dextromethorphan overdose may include confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and even hallucinations. Also known as alcoholism, AUD has been linked to an increased risk for many diseases, including heart disease, liver disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and digestive issues. After Dulce was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, her doctors prescribed her metformin to reduce her A1c. She became troubled when her metformin prescription kept going up and up, even as her blood glucose levels stayed elevated. Because of potential side effects, she didn’t feel she could safely have a glass of wine on metformin.

The Dangers of DXM Abuse

The combination of medication and alcohol can lead to serious health consequences, including overdose and even death. “It’s generally advisable to avoid drinking alcohol when taking medications,” says psychiatric clinical pharmacist Mei T. Liu, PharmD, BCPP. While DXM is a common ingredient in cough syrups, the two are not synonymous. There are cough medications and even cough suppressants that do not use dextromethorphan, and many cough syrups containing dextromethorphan also contain other therapeutic ingredients. On the other hand, some cough syrups contain DXM as the sole active ingredient. Alcohol also interacts with NMDA receptors in the brain, which is why you should avoid drinking while taking dextromethorphan.

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. Beyond the physical dangers, DXM presents a high risk of psychological dependence when used to cope with stress or emotions. Due to its dissociative properties and action on serotonin, it can cause anxiety, depression, panic disorder, and even lead to psychosis, characterized by delusional thinking and persistent hallucinations. If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to can you drink alcohol while taking dextromethorphan treatment. Hallucinations can be dangerous because they can cause a person to act impulsively and irrationally.

• A 2006 Harvard study found that moderate alcohol use did not have a significant negative effect on the livers of men taking statins after heart surgery.
• The combination can also increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, and kidney problems.
• While guaifenesin, an expectorant found in some cough syrups, does not directly interact with alcohol, consuming alcohol while sick can worsen symptoms, cause dehydration, and weaken the immune system.
• People who abuse DXM and alcohol together in high doses are at increased risk for seizures.
• Bayview Recovery Center provides varying levels of care with a focus on outpatient treatment programs at our Tacoma, WA drug rehab center.
• Their combined use can significantly slow brain activity and reduce the function of vital organs, leading to a potentially lethal decrease in heart rate and suppressed breathing.

Therefore, it is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking any cough medication and to opt for alcohol-free cough syrup formulations if necessary. Dextromethorphan is a widely abused drug, often in the form of “purple drank,” a cocktail of cough syrup, soda, alcohol, and hard candy. This combination is extremely dangerous, and those who mix these substances may need to reach out for professional help.

Because alcohol is an immunosuppressant, drinking when unwell can prolong and worsen your illness, keeping you sick for longer. Every year in the U.S., around 6000 people go to the emergency room because of misusing DXM with other substances like antihistamines, alcohol, acetaminophen or pseudoephedrine. Co-use can increase the common side effects of both, like becoming dizzy or drowsy, and increased heart rate.