According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), drinking alcohol while on medication can be harmful. Certain interactions can trigger side effects, as listed below, the information provided by the NIAAA.
Commonly Used Medicines (Both Prescription and Over-the-Counter) That Interact With Alcohol
Symptom/Disorders Medication Medication Some possible reactions with alcohol Allergies/Colds/Flu Loratadine Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose Hydroxyzine Diphenhydramine Desloratadine Loratadine Brompheniramine Chlorpheniramine Chlorpheniramine Chlorpheniramine Cetirizine Arthritis Celecoxib Ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver damage Naproxen Diclofenac Attention and concentration (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) Amphetamine/dextro-amphetamine Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration (methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate); possible increased risk for heart problems (amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine); liver damage (atomoxetine) Methylphenidate Dextroamphetamine Dexmethylphenidate Atomoxetine Lisdexamfetamine Blood clots Warfarin Occasional drinking may lead to internal bleeding; heavier drinking also may cause bleeding or may have the opposite effect, resulting in possible blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks Depression Aripriprazone Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; increased feelings of depression or hopelessness (all medications); impaired motor control (quetiapine, mirtazapine); increased alcohol effect (bupropion); liver damage (duloxetine) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine, when combined with alcohol, may result in serious heart-related side effects. Risk for dangerously high blood pressure is increased when MAOIs are mixed with tyramine, a byproduct found in beer and red wine Clomipramine Citalopram Clozapine Duloxetine Trazodone Venlafaxine Amitriptyline Ziprasidone Paliperidone Escitalopram Fluvoxamine Phenelzine Desipramine Tranylcypromine Paroxetine Desevenlafaxine Fluoxetine Mirtazapine Risperidone Quetiapine Nefazodone Fluoxetine/Olanzapine Bupropion Sertraline Olanzapine Diabetes Chlorpropamide Abnormally low blood sugar levels, flushing reaction (nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure); symptoms of nausea and weakness may occur (metformin) Glipizide Metformin Glyburide Tolbutamide Tolazamide Tamsulosin Terazosin Prazosin Metoclopramide Cimetidine Ranitidine High blood pressure Quinapril Dizziness, fainting, drowsiness; heart problems such as changes in the heart's regular heartbeat (arrhythmia) Verapamil Hydrochlorothiazide Doxazosin Clonidine Losartan Terazosin Hydrochlorothiazide Benzapril Prazosin Amlodipine mesylate Lisinopril Enalapril High cholesterol Lovastatin + Niacin Liver damage (all medications); increased flushing and itching (niacin), increased stomach bleeding (pravastatin + aspirin) Lovastatin Rosuvastatin Atorvastatin Lovastatin Niacin Pravastatin Pravastatin + Aspirin Ezetimibe + Simvastatin Simvastatin Infections Nitrofurantoin Fast heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure; stomach pain, upset stomach, vomiting, headache, or flushing or redness of the face; liver damage (isoniazid, ketoconazole) Metronidazole Griseofulvin Ketoconazole Isoniazid Cycloserine Tinidazole Azithromycin Mood stabilizers Valproic acid Drowsiness, dizziness; tremors; increased risk for side effects, such as restlessness, impaired motor control; loss of appetite; stomach upset; irregular bowel movement; joint or muscle pain; depression; liver damage (valproic acid) Lithium Muscle pain Cyclobenzaprine Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems Carisoprodol Nausea, motion sickness Meclizine Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose Dimenhydrinate Promethazine Pain (such as muscle ache, minor arthritis pain), fever, inflammation Ibuprofen Stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers; liver damage (acetaminophen); rapid heartbeat Naproxen Aspirin, Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Acetaminophen Severe pain from injury, postsurgical care, oral surgery, migraines Propoxyphene Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems Merepidine Butalbital + codeine Oxycodone Hydrocodone Sleep problems Zolpidem Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems Eszopiclone Estazolam Temazepam Diphenhydramine Doxylamine Increased drowsiness
(Brand name)
(Generic name)
Claritin-D®
Ritalin®
DiaBeta®,
Micronase®
Zestril®
Depakote®
Eskalith®CR,
Lithobid
Source: NIAAA.NIH.gov
