Alcohol and Klonopin are both depressants — leading to potential dangers when mixed. Check out our latest blog for more info on the risks and how to prevent them.
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 often hear of the risks of mixing depressants (like alcohol) with stimulants. Their opposing effects send mixed signals to our brain. But what about mixing alcohol with other depressants? Although they have similar mechanisms, mixing depressants like alcohol and Klonopin opens the door to risks and complications.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing anxiety, which Klonopin is commonly used to treat. To help us manage our anxiety safely and effectively, let’s get a clearer understanding of Klonopin and alcohol, and why they don’t go together.
Klonopin (or clonazepam) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that is used to treat seizures and panic disorder. Off-label, Klonopin is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The dosage and frequency of administration can depend on the condition it’s used to treat.
The drug is classified as a benzodiazepine, which is a type of depressant that produces sedation, relieves anxiety, and reduces muscle spasms. Klonopin increases gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), which decreases the excitability of neurons — creating a calming effect in our brain.
Like all medications, Klonopin may come with side effects. Mild side effects include the following:
More severe side effects include:
Klonopin is effective in treating various conditions, but what happens if we combine it with alcohol?
Klonopin and alcohol don’t interact directly. This means that drinking doesn’t explicitly affect the way the drug works in our body. Klonopin continues to be effective in treating the conditions it’s prescribed for. However, Klonopin and alcohol can indirectly interact and lead to dangerous side effects.
Both Klonopin and alcohol are depressants that act on the central nervous system (CNS). They both slow down messaging within the brain and to the rest of the body, impacting cognitive and motor functions. When Klonopin and alcohol are combined, depressant effects become amplified, which can have very dangerous consequences.
Drinking is also associated with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and alcohol withdrawal, all of which Klonopin is used to treat. Even without direct interactions, alcohol can negatively affect Klonopin. So is it still okay to drink?
Drinking while on Klonopin is not recommended even though there are no direct interactions. The indirect effects of alcohol on the medication and the conditions it is used to treat can be just as dangerous as direct interactions.
Not only can drinking while taking Klonopin lead to dangerous side effects, but it also increases the risk of dependence on either substance. Dependence on alcohol or Klonopin alone is harmful to our health. Since the risks are amplified when the two are combined, dependence on the pair is even more detrimental to our health. To get a better understanding of why drinking while on clonazepam isn’t recommended, let’s further examine the direct consequences.
Mixing clonazepam and alcohol doesn’t cause direct interactions. However, the compounded effects of mixing two depressants can be just as dangerous. There are four main dangers that result from mixing clonazepam and alcohol.
But wait! Some of us may be prescribed Klonopin, and others may be prescribed clonazepam. Are the two equally as dangerous when mixed with alcohol?
Klonopin is the only brand-name version of the generic drug clonazepam. They can be used interchangeably. Unlike some other drugs with several brand-name versions that feature different dosages and forms, clonazepam has only Klonopin. It is no different from generic clonazepam.
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, but it is classified as a slow-acting drug. Our body processes and eliminates it more slowly than other benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Restoril.
Along with its primary uses, clonazepam is also commonly prescribed for people undergoing alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when we’ve developed a physical or neurological dependence on alcohol. As our body adjusts to not having alcohol, we may experience one or more of these withdrawal symptoms.
Clonazepam is a depressant that acts on receptors in our brain similar to those that alcohol affects. Essentially, it imitates alcohol’s effects on the brain as it reduces the severity of some withdrawal symptoms. Most notably, clonazepam helps treat seizures, insomnia, and anxiety, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Now that we know alcohol and clonazepam don't — and shouldn’t — go together, is there any other substance we shouldn’t combine with Klonopin?
Clonazepam interacts with many other prescribed medications and substances, from opioids to certain herbs.
As we discussed earlier, alcohol mixed with clonazepam can prove dangerous. But will only one drink cause any harm?
When taking clonazepam, alcohol consumption is not recommended in any amount. Even minimal amounts of alcohol will enhance the depressant effects of clonazepam. Alcohol indirectly affects the medication, compounding the depressant effects without changing the dosage. The resulting adverse effects aggravate the conditions that clonazepam is designed to treat.
Additionally, since clonazepam and alcohol are both depressants, combining them increases our risk of dependence on either substance. Depressants like alcohol and clonazepam both promote the production of dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” hormones in our brain. Although temporary, the feelings of pleasure and relaxation can hijack our brain’s reward system and lead to dependence. Separately, alcohol and clonazepam are substances with high dependence rates. When mixed, even minimally, the risk of dependence increases.
Drinking while taking clonazepam is not recommended, but what about after stopping the medication?
Clonazepam is most commonly prescribed for a short period of time unless it’s used to treat epilepsy. Even after discontinuing clonazepam, drinking right away is not recommended because the medication might still be present in our body.
The half-life of clonazepam ranges from 18 to 50 hours. In that time, depending on individual factors, half of the medication will be eliminated from our system. However, it takes about 5 half-lives to be completely eliminated. So, it could take roughly 3 to 11 days for clonazepam to be completely out of our system after the last dose. To avoid any adverse effects, healthcare providers advise waiting at least 11 days after the last dose before drinking again. However, alcohol can still negatively affect conditions that the medication was prescribed to treat, including anxiety, seizures, and mood.
Drinking while taking clonazepam is risky for any of us, but are there people who are at higher risk of harm?
Due to the way alcohol affects us and the conditions that clonazepam is used to treat, certain people are at higher risk of experiencing negative consequences from drinking while on the medication.
While these groups are at higher risk of negative effects, drinking while taking clonazepam isn’t recommended for anyone. How can we navigate a relationship with alcohol and Klonopin safely?
Klonopin is an effective treatment for various conditions, but it can be extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol. If you’re prescribed Klonopin and concerned about your relationship with alcohol, you can still approach it safely and mindfully with these tips.
Developing mindful drinking practices helps us navigate Klonopin safely and create a healthier relationship with alcohol that is beneficial in the long run.
Clonazepam is effective in treating seizures and panic disorder; it can also help with anxiety, insomnia, and other common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. However, because it’s a depressant that acts in ways similar to alcohol, mixing the two can be dangerous. In addition to the amplified negative side effects, the combination greatly increases the risk of dependence on either substance. Avoid alcohol while on Klonopin to help set yourself up for the win!
We often hear of the risks of mixing depressants (like alcohol) with stimulants. Their opposing effects send mixed signals to our brain. But what about mixing alcohol with other depressants? Although they have similar mechanisms, mixing depressants like alcohol and Klonopin opens the door to risks and complications.
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing anxiety, which Klonopin is commonly used to treat. To help us manage our anxiety safely and effectively, let’s get a clearer understanding of Klonopin and alcohol, and why they don’t go together.
Klonopin (or clonazepam) is an FDA-approved prescription medication that is used to treat seizures and panic disorder. Off-label, Klonopin is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The dosage and frequency of administration can depend on the condition it’s used to treat.
The drug is classified as a benzodiazepine, which is a type of depressant that produces sedation, relieves anxiety, and reduces muscle spasms. Klonopin increases gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), which decreases the excitability of neurons — creating a calming effect in our brain.
Like all medications, Klonopin may come with side effects. Mild side effects include the following:
More severe side effects include:
Klonopin is effective in treating various conditions, but what happens if we combine it with alcohol?
Klonopin and alcohol don’t interact directly. This means that drinking doesn’t explicitly affect the way the drug works in our body. Klonopin continues to be effective in treating the conditions it’s prescribed for. However, Klonopin and alcohol can indirectly interact and lead to dangerous side effects.
Both Klonopin and alcohol are depressants that act on the central nervous system (CNS). They both slow down messaging within the brain and to the rest of the body, impacting cognitive and motor functions. When Klonopin and alcohol are combined, depressant effects become amplified, which can have very dangerous consequences.
Drinking is also associated with symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and alcohol withdrawal, all of which Klonopin is used to treat. Even without direct interactions, alcohol can negatively affect Klonopin. So is it still okay to drink?
Drinking while on Klonopin is not recommended even though there are no direct interactions. The indirect effects of alcohol on the medication and the conditions it is used to treat can be just as dangerous as direct interactions.
Not only can drinking while taking Klonopin lead to dangerous side effects, but it also increases the risk of dependence on either substance. Dependence on alcohol or Klonopin alone is harmful to our health. Since the risks are amplified when the two are combined, dependence on the pair is even more detrimental to our health. To get a better understanding of why drinking while on clonazepam isn’t recommended, let’s further examine the direct consequences.
Mixing clonazepam and alcohol doesn’t cause direct interactions. However, the compounded effects of mixing two depressants can be just as dangerous. There are four main dangers that result from mixing clonazepam and alcohol.
But wait! Some of us may be prescribed Klonopin, and others may be prescribed clonazepam. Are the two equally as dangerous when mixed with alcohol?
Klonopin is the only brand-name version of the generic drug clonazepam. They can be used interchangeably. Unlike some other drugs with several brand-name versions that feature different dosages and forms, clonazepam has only Klonopin. It is no different from generic clonazepam.
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine, but it is classified as a slow-acting drug. Our body processes and eliminates it more slowly than other benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Restoril.
Along with its primary uses, clonazepam is also commonly prescribed for people undergoing alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol withdrawal occurs when we’ve developed a physical or neurological dependence on alcohol. As our body adjusts to not having alcohol, we may experience one or more of these withdrawal symptoms.
Clonazepam is a depressant that acts on receptors in our brain similar to those that alcohol affects. Essentially, it imitates alcohol’s effects on the brain as it reduces the severity of some withdrawal symptoms. Most notably, clonazepam helps treat seizures, insomnia, and anxiety, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Now that we know alcohol and clonazepam don't — and shouldn’t — go together, is there any other substance we shouldn’t combine with Klonopin?
Clonazepam interacts with many other prescribed medications and substances, from opioids to certain herbs.
As we discussed earlier, alcohol mixed with clonazepam can prove dangerous. But will only one drink cause any harm?
When taking clonazepam, alcohol consumption is not recommended in any amount. Even minimal amounts of alcohol will enhance the depressant effects of clonazepam. Alcohol indirectly affects the medication, compounding the depressant effects without changing the dosage. The resulting adverse effects aggravate the conditions that clonazepam is designed to treat.
Additionally, since clonazepam and alcohol are both depressants, combining them increases our risk of dependence on either substance. Depressants like alcohol and clonazepam both promote the production of dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” hormones in our brain. Although temporary, the feelings of pleasure and relaxation can hijack our brain’s reward system and lead to dependence. Separately, alcohol and clonazepam are substances with high dependence rates. When mixed, even minimally, the risk of dependence increases.
Drinking while taking clonazepam is not recommended, but what about after stopping the medication?
Clonazepam is most commonly prescribed for a short period of time unless it’s used to treat epilepsy. Even after discontinuing clonazepam, drinking right away is not recommended because the medication might still be present in our body.
The half-life of clonazepam ranges from 18 to 50 hours. In that time, depending on individual factors, half of the medication will be eliminated from our system. However, it takes about 5 half-lives to be completely eliminated. So, it could take roughly 3 to 11 days for clonazepam to be completely out of our system after the last dose. To avoid any adverse effects, healthcare providers advise waiting at least 11 days after the last dose before drinking again. However, alcohol can still negatively affect conditions that the medication was prescribed to treat, including anxiety, seizures, and mood.
Drinking while taking clonazepam is risky for any of us, but are there people who are at higher risk of harm?
Due to the way alcohol affects us and the conditions that clonazepam is used to treat, certain people are at higher risk of experiencing negative consequences from drinking while on the medication.
While these groups are at higher risk of negative effects, drinking while taking clonazepam isn’t recommended for anyone. How can we navigate a relationship with alcohol and Klonopin safely?
Klonopin is an effective treatment for various conditions, but it can be extremely dangerous when mixed with alcohol. If you’re prescribed Klonopin and concerned about your relationship with alcohol, you can still approach it safely and mindfully with these tips.
Developing mindful drinking practices helps us navigate Klonopin safely and create a healthier relationship with alcohol that is beneficial in the long run.
Clonazepam is effective in treating seizures and panic disorder; it can also help with anxiety, insomnia, and other common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. However, because it’s a depressant that acts in ways similar to alcohol, mixing the two can be dangerous. In addition to the amplified negative side effects, the combination greatly increases the risk of dependence on either substance. Avoid alcohol while on Klonopin to help set yourself up for the win!
Alcohol and Ritalin interact directly — making the combination dangerous. Check out our latest blog for more info on the negative effects of drinking while on Ritalin.
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!
Ritalin is prescription medication that is classified as a stimulant. A stimulant is a substance that speeds up processes in our brain. One of the most common stimulants consumed is caffeine. With the increasing popularity of caffeinated alcoholic concoctions like espresso martinis and Irish coffees, the question remains whether or not it’s safe to mix stimulants like Ritalin with alcohol.
Despite how often alcohol and stimulants are mixed, the opposing mechanisms can be dangerous when combined. Since Ritalin is a prescription medication, the risks are even greater. Let’s get a better understanding of the direct interaction between alcohol and Ritalin.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug that is FDA-approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is marked by the brain’s inability to control sleep-wake cycles — leading to excessive and overwhelming drowsiness during the day.
Ritalin is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. This means that it increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that speed up mental and physical processes. Specifically, Ritalin blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that increases pleasure and is involved in motivation. Norepinephrine is a hormone that increases alertness. By increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, Ritalin helps increase focus and attention. Those of us with ADHD often have difficulties producing and using dopamine, which is why Ritalin can be effective.
The medication comes in standard and extended-release forms and is prescribed based on a person's individual needs. Just like other prescription medications, Ritalin is associated with many side effects.
More severe side effects include the following:
Ritalin may be effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, but what about if we have a drink or two while taking it?
Ritalin and alcohol have a direct interaction. Ritalin is a CNS stimulant, whereas alcohol is classified as a CNS depressant.
Our CNS controls messaging within our brain and between our brain and other parts of our body. Depressants slow down cognitive and motor function and stimulants excite mental and physical processes. Although opposites, they don’t just cancel each other out. Instead, alcohol affects the way our body processes Ritalin, which can alter the medication levels in our body — leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Additionally, alcohol can indirectly affect Ritalin. The depressant effect of alcohol impairs functions such as our focus, memory, and thinking, all of which Ritalin is prescribed to help improve.
Now that we know how alcohol and Ritalin interact, let’s take a look at what happens when we drink on the medication.
Drinking while taking Ritalin is not recommended. The direct interaction between alcohol and Ritalin can lead to dangerous side effects (which we'll get into shortly).
Ritalin and alcohol have opposite effects on the body, meaning that the medication may temporarily put a damper on the intoxicating effects of alcohol — causing us to drink more without noticing the effects until later. Drinking and Ritalin counteract each other, but what about other medications with methylphenidate? Is methylphenidate the same thing as Ritalin?
Methylphenidate is the generic form of Ritalin, and it is often used interchangeably in discussions about the drug. It’s also sold under other brand names.
Although these medications all contain the active ingredient methylphenidate, they may differ in the dosage, form, and frequency at which they’re prescribed. However, as these medications all contain methylphenidate, they all directly interact with alcohol and may have consequences.
The direct and indirect interaction between methylphenidate and alcohol can lead to dangerous effects that open the door to various complications:
Mixing methylphenidate with alcohol can lead to a long list of consequences, but what about other ADHD medications?
Generally, drinking while taking any ADHD medication isn’t recommended. Most other ADHD medications are also CNS stimulants, which interact directly with alcohol. Common ADHD medications such as Adderall or Vyvanse have similar risks when mixed with alcohol.
The only effective nonstimulant treatment for ADHD is Strattera, or atomoxetine. Since it isn’t a stimulant, it doesn’t carry the same risks as other ADHD medication do when combined with alcohol. However, mixing Strattera with alcohol increases the risk of liver damage. In general, alcohol should not be mixed with any ADHD medication. That said, does the amount of alcohol matter?
When taking methylphenidate, alcohol consumption is not recommended even in minimal amounts. Since alcohol directly affects the way our body processes methylphenidate, even small amounts of alcohol can impact the level of the drug in our body.
Simply put, the more alcohol we drink, the higher the risk of dangerous side effects and complications. But what about drinking after discontinuing the medication?
The half-life of methylphenidate is approximately 2 hours but can range from 2 to 7 hours, which means that the medication levels found in our body decrease by half in that time period. However, drugs can take roughly 5 half-lives to be completely eliminated from our body. We’re advised to wait at least 35 hours after the last dose of methylphenidate to avoid direct interaction with alcohol.
It’s also important to note that although waiting 35 hours after discontinuing methylphenidate will prevent direct interactions, alcohol can still negatively affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and focus, which the medication may have been used to treat. If choosing to drink after discontinuing the medication, it’s best to consult with a physician and follow moderate consumption guidelines.
If we’re still taking methylphenidate and we accidentally drink alcohol, what should we do?
Mixing methylphenidate with alcohol can be dangerous, but it’s important not to panic. Increasing our stress levels negatively affects our health, making the situation worse. If we accidentally drink while taking methylphenidate, we can follow these three steps.
Methylphenidate is often used as a long-term treatment. How can we navigate methylphenidate use and alcohol consumption safely?
Ritalin, or methylphenidate, can be a short- or long-term treatment. When taking the medication for any amount of time, avoiding alcohol can be crucial for our safety. Let’s explore some tips to navigate Ritalin and alcohol safely.
Alcohol directly interacts with many prescription medications including Ritalin. The mechanism of the drug works by stimulating activity within our brain — directly opposing the mechanism of alcohol. While one doesn’t exactly cancel the other out, the two directly interact and can lead to dangerous effects. Alcohol also indirectly impacts Ritalin by exacerbating symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy, which the medication is used to treat. While the idiom “Everything in moderation” can sometimes be applied to alcohol consumption, it doesn’t hold true for drinking while taking Ritalin. Avoid alcohol while on Ritalin to prevent risky side effects!
Ritalin is prescription medication that is classified as a stimulant. A stimulant is a substance that speeds up processes in our brain. One of the most common stimulants consumed is caffeine. With the increasing popularity of caffeinated alcoholic concoctions like espresso martinis and Irish coffees, the question remains whether or not it’s safe to mix stimulants like Ritalin with alcohol.
Despite how often alcohol and stimulants are mixed, the opposing mechanisms can be dangerous when combined. Since Ritalin is a prescription medication, the risks are even greater. Let’s get a better understanding of the direct interaction between alcohol and Ritalin.
Ritalin (methylphenidate) is a prescription drug that is FDA-approved to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by unusual levels of hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that is marked by the brain’s inability to control sleep-wake cycles — leading to excessive and overwhelming drowsiness during the day.
Ritalin is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. This means that it increases the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that speed up mental and physical processes. Specifically, Ritalin blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that increases pleasure and is involved in motivation. Norepinephrine is a hormone that increases alertness. By increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, Ritalin helps increase focus and attention. Those of us with ADHD often have difficulties producing and using dopamine, which is why Ritalin can be effective.
The medication comes in standard and extended-release forms and is prescribed based on a person's individual needs. Just like other prescription medications, Ritalin is associated with many side effects.
More severe side effects include the following:
Ritalin may be effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, but what about if we have a drink or two while taking it?
Ritalin and alcohol have a direct interaction. Ritalin is a CNS stimulant, whereas alcohol is classified as a CNS depressant.
Our CNS controls messaging within our brain and between our brain and other parts of our body. Depressants slow down cognitive and motor function and stimulants excite mental and physical processes. Although opposites, they don’t just cancel each other out. Instead, alcohol affects the way our body processes Ritalin, which can alter the medication levels in our body — leading to unpredictable and dangerous effects.
Additionally, alcohol can indirectly affect Ritalin. The depressant effect of alcohol impairs functions such as our focus, memory, and thinking, all of which Ritalin is prescribed to help improve.
Now that we know how alcohol and Ritalin interact, let’s take a look at what happens when we drink on the medication.
Drinking while taking Ritalin is not recommended. The direct interaction between alcohol and Ritalin can lead to dangerous side effects (which we'll get into shortly).
Ritalin and alcohol have opposite effects on the body, meaning that the medication may temporarily put a damper on the intoxicating effects of alcohol — causing us to drink more without noticing the effects until later. Drinking and Ritalin counteract each other, but what about other medications with methylphenidate? Is methylphenidate the same thing as Ritalin?
Methylphenidate is the generic form of Ritalin, and it is often used interchangeably in discussions about the drug. It’s also sold under other brand names.
Although these medications all contain the active ingredient methylphenidate, they may differ in the dosage, form, and frequency at which they’re prescribed. However, as these medications all contain methylphenidate, they all directly interact with alcohol and may have consequences.
The direct and indirect interaction between methylphenidate and alcohol can lead to dangerous effects that open the door to various complications:
Mixing methylphenidate with alcohol can lead to a long list of consequences, but what about other ADHD medications?
Generally, drinking while taking any ADHD medication isn’t recommended. Most other ADHD medications are also CNS stimulants, which interact directly with alcohol. Common ADHD medications such as Adderall or Vyvanse have similar risks when mixed with alcohol.
The only effective nonstimulant treatment for ADHD is Strattera, or atomoxetine. Since it isn’t a stimulant, it doesn’t carry the same risks as other ADHD medication do when combined with alcohol. However, mixing Strattera with alcohol increases the risk of liver damage. In general, alcohol should not be mixed with any ADHD medication. That said, does the amount of alcohol matter?
When taking methylphenidate, alcohol consumption is not recommended even in minimal amounts. Since alcohol directly affects the way our body processes methylphenidate, even small amounts of alcohol can impact the level of the drug in our body.
Simply put, the more alcohol we drink, the higher the risk of dangerous side effects and complications. But what about drinking after discontinuing the medication?
The half-life of methylphenidate is approximately 2 hours but can range from 2 to 7 hours, which means that the medication levels found in our body decrease by half in that time period. However, drugs can take roughly 5 half-lives to be completely eliminated from our body. We’re advised to wait at least 35 hours after the last dose of methylphenidate to avoid direct interaction with alcohol.
It’s also important to note that although waiting 35 hours after discontinuing methylphenidate will prevent direct interactions, alcohol can still negatively affect cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and focus, which the medication may have been used to treat. If choosing to drink after discontinuing the medication, it’s best to consult with a physician and follow moderate consumption guidelines.
If we’re still taking methylphenidate and we accidentally drink alcohol, what should we do?
Mixing methylphenidate with alcohol can be dangerous, but it’s important not to panic. Increasing our stress levels negatively affects our health, making the situation worse. If we accidentally drink while taking methylphenidate, we can follow these three steps.
Methylphenidate is often used as a long-term treatment. How can we navigate methylphenidate use and alcohol consumption safely?
Ritalin, or methylphenidate, can be a short- or long-term treatment. When taking the medication for any amount of time, avoiding alcohol can be crucial for our safety. Let’s explore some tips to navigate Ritalin and alcohol safely.
Alcohol directly interacts with many prescription medications including Ritalin. The mechanism of the drug works by stimulating activity within our brain — directly opposing the mechanism of alcohol. While one doesn’t exactly cancel the other out, the two directly interact and can lead to dangerous effects. Alcohol also indirectly impacts Ritalin by exacerbating symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy, which the medication is used to treat. While the idiom “Everything in moderation” can sometimes be applied to alcohol consumption, it doesn’t hold true for drinking while taking Ritalin. Avoid alcohol while on Ritalin to prevent risky side effects!
Can you drink on amitriptyline? Science says that mixing amitriptyline with alcohol could lead to problems. Learn the details and stay safe by checking out 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!
In It's Kind of a Funny Story, author Ned Vizzini describes the draining effects of depression: “I didn't want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that's really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you're so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”
For many, antidepressants can offer much-needed relief. But what about alcohol? More specifically, can you drink alcohol with amitriptyline — an antidepressant also known by the brand name Elavil? The short answer is, mixing amitriptyline and alcohol can spell trouble. Let’s find out why.
Amitriptyline belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It's primarily used to treat problems with mood regulation, such as depression. It works by increasing neurochemicals in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.
Amitriptyline inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their levels and prolonging their mood-boosting effects. It also affects other neurotransmitter systems, which can help with pain relief and sleep.
In addition, it works double duty by blocking sodium channels and certain receptors, for example, muscarinic receptors. This contributes to its effects on pain as well as its side effects.
Can you drink alcohol with amitriptyline? Scientific and medical evidence says it’s not a good idea to mix the two. Let’s dive into the details!
Amitriptyline (a.k.a. Elavil) comes with side effects, and alcohol doesn’t play well with many of them. Here’s an overview.
As we can see, the side effects of amitriptyline and alcohol make for a pretty unpleasant mix. And while that might be enough of a reason to steer clear of the combo, there are more risks to consider.
The stakes get even higher when we consider the risk of overdose when mixing amitriptyline with alcohol. Here’s what happens and why we should be careful:
Always err on the side of safety and seek medical help if you notice these symptoms. And be extra careful if you’re taking multiple meds or have existing liver issues, which might make you more vulnerable. (To learn more about the dangers of mixing alcohol and antidepressants, check out “Alcohol and Antidepressants: A Dangerous Combo.”)
Last but not least, alcohol can negate the antidepressant effects of Elavil, possibly sabotaging our treatment. As a depressant, alcohol slows down the nervous system and can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. (For a deep dive, take a look at “Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?” and “Relationship Between Anhedonic Depression and Alcohol.”)
There’s also a connection between depression and alcohol misuse itself. We might be tempted to use alcohol as a short-term “solution” to lift our spirits, make us feel more confident, or socialize. However, in the long term these attempts backfire, leading to dissatisfaction and preventing us from forming authentic connections.
Amitriptyline has a half-life of 10 to 28 hours, which means it takes the body up to a day to eliminate half of the medication. However, the effects can persist longer since the active metabolite, nortriptyline, also has some similar properties to amitriptyline.
Given the long half-life of amitriptyline and its metabolites, it's generally safe to say that we should wait at least a few days after our last dose before having a drink. This waiting period allows the medication levels in our body to decrease, reducing the risk of problems that could result from the interaction.
That said, given the effects of alcohol on depression, it’s best to avoid drinking entirely during this time. Getting our symptoms under control is the priority right now, and adding booze to the picture only makes things more challenging.
It’s not a good idea to drink while taking amitriptyline in any amount. Given the possible strain on the liver from the medication alone, adding alcohol to the mix is asking for trouble. Plus, there’s the issue of alcohol and depression we mentioned earlier: given alcohol’s negative effects on our mood and overall well-being, it’s best to avoid the counterproductive combo.
Finally, here are a few tips for staying safe while taking amitriptyline.
In Moab Is My Washpot, British actor and author Stephen Fry describes his struggle with depression as ultimately an empowering one:
“It's not all bad. Heightened self-consciousness, apartness, an inability to join in, physical shame and self-loathing — they are not all bad. Those devils have been my angels. Without them I would never have disappeared into language, literature, the mind, laughter, and all the mad intensities that made and unmade me.”
In a similar way, the alcohol journey is ultimately one that can make us stronger. By encouraging us to actively strive to be our healthiest and happiest selves, it can push us to a level of well-being we never dreamed of reaching. And Reframe is always here to cheer you on and support you along the way!
In It's Kind of a Funny Story, author Ned Vizzini describes the draining effects of depression: “I didn't want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that's really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you're so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare.”
For many, antidepressants can offer much-needed relief. But what about alcohol? More specifically, can you drink alcohol with amitriptyline — an antidepressant also known by the brand name Elavil? The short answer is, mixing amitriptyline and alcohol can spell trouble. Let’s find out why.
Amitriptyline belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It's primarily used to treat problems with mood regulation, such as depression. It works by increasing neurochemicals in the brain that are needed to maintain mental balance.
Amitriptyline inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their levels and prolonging their mood-boosting effects. It also affects other neurotransmitter systems, which can help with pain relief and sleep.
In addition, it works double duty by blocking sodium channels and certain receptors, for example, muscarinic receptors. This contributes to its effects on pain as well as its side effects.
Can you drink alcohol with amitriptyline? Scientific and medical evidence says it’s not a good idea to mix the two. Let’s dive into the details!
Amitriptyline (a.k.a. Elavil) comes with side effects, and alcohol doesn’t play well with many of them. Here’s an overview.
As we can see, the side effects of amitriptyline and alcohol make for a pretty unpleasant mix. And while that might be enough of a reason to steer clear of the combo, there are more risks to consider.
The stakes get even higher when we consider the risk of overdose when mixing amitriptyline with alcohol. Here’s what happens and why we should be careful:
Always err on the side of safety and seek medical help if you notice these symptoms. And be extra careful if you’re taking multiple meds or have existing liver issues, which might make you more vulnerable. (To learn more about the dangers of mixing alcohol and antidepressants, check out “Alcohol and Antidepressants: A Dangerous Combo.”)
Last but not least, alcohol can negate the antidepressant effects of Elavil, possibly sabotaging our treatment. As a depressant, alcohol slows down the nervous system and can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. (For a deep dive, take a look at “Alcohol Misuse and Depression: What’s the Connection?” and “Relationship Between Anhedonic Depression and Alcohol.”)
There’s also a connection between depression and alcohol misuse itself. We might be tempted to use alcohol as a short-term “solution” to lift our spirits, make us feel more confident, or socialize. However, in the long term these attempts backfire, leading to dissatisfaction and preventing us from forming authentic connections.
Amitriptyline has a half-life of 10 to 28 hours, which means it takes the body up to a day to eliminate half of the medication. However, the effects can persist longer since the active metabolite, nortriptyline, also has some similar properties to amitriptyline.
Given the long half-life of amitriptyline and its metabolites, it's generally safe to say that we should wait at least a few days after our last dose before having a drink. This waiting period allows the medication levels in our body to decrease, reducing the risk of problems that could result from the interaction.
That said, given the effects of alcohol on depression, it’s best to avoid drinking entirely during this time. Getting our symptoms under control is the priority right now, and adding booze to the picture only makes things more challenging.
It’s not a good idea to drink while taking amitriptyline in any amount. Given the possible strain on the liver from the medication alone, adding alcohol to the mix is asking for trouble. Plus, there’s the issue of alcohol and depression we mentioned earlier: given alcohol’s negative effects on our mood and overall well-being, it’s best to avoid the counterproductive combo.
Finally, here are a few tips for staying safe while taking amitriptyline.
In Moab Is My Washpot, British actor and author Stephen Fry describes his struggle with depression as ultimately an empowering one:
“It's not all bad. Heightened self-consciousness, apartness, an inability to join in, physical shame and self-loathing — they are not all bad. Those devils have been my angels. Without them I would never have disappeared into language, literature, the mind, laughter, and all the mad intensities that made and unmade me.”
In a similar way, the alcohol journey is ultimately one that can make us stronger. By encouraging us to actively strive to be our healthiest and happiest selves, it can push us to a level of well-being we never dreamed of reaching. And Reframe is always here to cheer you on and support you along the way!
About to pop an Advil and wondering if it’s okay to have a drink afterward? Science says that NSAIDs and alcohol don’t play well together. Learn more about the risks 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!
Parking tickets. Tax deadlines. That loud neighbor upstairs who insists on doing jumping jacks at 5 a.m. There are lots of reasons why we might get a headache, and, when we do, Advil and similar NSAID medications do a great job of relieving it.
But what happens when we add alcohol to the mix? What are the risks of combining NSAIDs and alcohol? Let’s find out!
NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — work to reduce inflammation in the body, making them go-to medications for treating pain and fever. They usually come in pill form but are also available as topical gels.
Inflammation is our body’s first response system to invading pathogens. While useful for fighting off viruses, bacteria, and other invaders, inflammation backfires in the long run.
We wouldn’t want to call the fire department every time we leave the kettle on for too long or take a hot shower that creates a bit of extra steam, would we? In a similar way, having a full-force response to minor mishaps (or no reason at all) — especially on a chronic basis — can tax the body’s resources, eventually putting us at risk for cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and even cancers. Given that inflammation is part of the immune system’s disease-fighting arsenal, this is clearly the opposite of what we want!
NSAIDs are useful for a number of aches and pains, including headaches, menstrual pain, sprains, and strains. They are the go-to medications for common viral infections, including COVID-19. They also ease pain caused by arthritis and other chronic conditions.
While ibuprofen might be the best-known one, there are several different NSAIDs out there.
There are a few lesser-known NSAID varieties out there as well, including celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, and indomethacin. While each is tailored to slightly different needs, the overall side effects and mechanisms are similar.
That said, none of the NSAIDs mentioned above play well with alcohol. Let’s explore why alcohol and NSAIDs are a risky pair.
Although the NSAIDs-alcohol interaction might not be at the top of your list when it comes to risky combinations, mixing alcohol and NSAIDs is not a good idea.
For one thing, there’s the side effects. Like all other meds, NSAIDs come with them, and most don’t get along with alcohol:
As we can see, mixing NSAIDs with alcohol is asking for trouble. The combined side effects are likely to leave us feeling drained, dizzy, and groggy. Add a stomach ache and nausea on top of that, and we’ll be wishing we had reconsidered.
NSAIDs can cause problematic interactions with the heart, liver, and kidneys. And alcohol can add to the strain, which could lead to serious issues.
Heart. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure by causing salt and fluid retention, endangering the heart. Alcohol can make the situation worse. Despite claims that alcohol (in small amounts) is good for our heart, alcohol can stress the heart, especially if we drink too much. After an initial dip in blood pressure, the heart rebounds, and our heart rate increases. Over time, alcohol misuse can weaken the heart muscles and cause heart disease.
Liver. Some NSAIDs are known to cause liver injury, especially if we overuse them. Alcohol is notorious for straining the liver over time, causing liver disease. Combining the two can compound the damage.
Kidneys. The kidneys are at even greater risk when it comes to NSAIDs, especially if we use them in large amounts or for a long time. NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys by constricting blood vessels. This reduction in blood flow can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, building up toxins and possibly causing kidney damage over time. NSAIDs may also interfere with the production of prostaglandins, which help regulate kidney function, and lead to a decline in kidney function.
Alcohol can make the problem worse by impairing kidney function, especially with long-term misuse. Moreover, the presence of NSAIDs in the bloodstream can increase the toxicity of alcohol by causing oxidative stress in the body.
One of the most concerning risks associated with NSAIDs is stomach bleeding. Here’s what happens in more detail.
As we already mentioned, alcohol can do a number on our stomach and digestive system, causing irritation and even leading to ulcers and gastritis. Mixing booze with NSAIDs is playing with fire — we’re putting ourselves at risk of perforations and gastrointestinal bleeding, which may require hospitalization and medical intervention.
Last but not least, we take anti-inflammatory drugs for a reason — to stop inflammation. Alcohol tends to stoke the fire of the body’s natural response to pathogens or injury in a few different ways:
Want to know more? Check out “Does Alcohol Cause Inflammation?”
Here are some tips to get the most out of your NSAID treatment.
We wish you a speedy recovery! And remember, Reframe is here to help if you’re having trouble with alcohol. Millions of other users have been exactly where you are and are now thriving and ready to share their stories and advice!
Parking tickets. Tax deadlines. That loud neighbor upstairs who insists on doing jumping jacks at 5 a.m. There are lots of reasons why we might get a headache, and, when we do, Advil and similar NSAID medications do a great job of relieving it.
But what happens when we add alcohol to the mix? What are the risks of combining NSAIDs and alcohol? Let’s find out!
NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — work to reduce inflammation in the body, making them go-to medications for treating pain and fever. They usually come in pill form but are also available as topical gels.
Inflammation is our body’s first response system to invading pathogens. While useful for fighting off viruses, bacteria, and other invaders, inflammation backfires in the long run.
We wouldn’t want to call the fire department every time we leave the kettle on for too long or take a hot shower that creates a bit of extra steam, would we? In a similar way, having a full-force response to minor mishaps (or no reason at all) — especially on a chronic basis — can tax the body’s resources, eventually putting us at risk for cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and even cancers. Given that inflammation is part of the immune system’s disease-fighting arsenal, this is clearly the opposite of what we want!
NSAIDs are useful for a number of aches and pains, including headaches, menstrual pain, sprains, and strains. They are the go-to medications for common viral infections, including COVID-19. They also ease pain caused by arthritis and other chronic conditions.
While ibuprofen might be the best-known one, there are several different NSAIDs out there.
There are a few lesser-known NSAID varieties out there as well, including celecoxib, mefenamic acid, etoricoxib, and indomethacin. While each is tailored to slightly different needs, the overall side effects and mechanisms are similar.
That said, none of the NSAIDs mentioned above play well with alcohol. Let’s explore why alcohol and NSAIDs are a risky pair.
Although the NSAIDs-alcohol interaction might not be at the top of your list when it comes to risky combinations, mixing alcohol and NSAIDs is not a good idea.
For one thing, there’s the side effects. Like all other meds, NSAIDs come with them, and most don’t get along with alcohol:
As we can see, mixing NSAIDs with alcohol is asking for trouble. The combined side effects are likely to leave us feeling drained, dizzy, and groggy. Add a stomach ache and nausea on top of that, and we’ll be wishing we had reconsidered.
NSAIDs can cause problematic interactions with the heart, liver, and kidneys. And alcohol can add to the strain, which could lead to serious issues.
Heart. NSAIDs can raise blood pressure by causing salt and fluid retention, endangering the heart. Alcohol can make the situation worse. Despite claims that alcohol (in small amounts) is good for our heart, alcohol can stress the heart, especially if we drink too much. After an initial dip in blood pressure, the heart rebounds, and our heart rate increases. Over time, alcohol misuse can weaken the heart muscles and cause heart disease.
Liver. Some NSAIDs are known to cause liver injury, especially if we overuse them. Alcohol is notorious for straining the liver over time, causing liver disease. Combining the two can compound the damage.
Kidneys. The kidneys are at even greater risk when it comes to NSAIDs, especially if we use them in large amounts or for a long time. NSAIDs can reduce blood flow to the kidneys by constricting blood vessels. This reduction in blood flow can impair the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, building up toxins and possibly causing kidney damage over time. NSAIDs may also interfere with the production of prostaglandins, which help regulate kidney function, and lead to a decline in kidney function.
Alcohol can make the problem worse by impairing kidney function, especially with long-term misuse. Moreover, the presence of NSAIDs in the bloodstream can increase the toxicity of alcohol by causing oxidative stress in the body.
One of the most concerning risks associated with NSAIDs is stomach bleeding. Here’s what happens in more detail.
As we already mentioned, alcohol can do a number on our stomach and digestive system, causing irritation and even leading to ulcers and gastritis. Mixing booze with NSAIDs is playing with fire — we’re putting ourselves at risk of perforations and gastrointestinal bleeding, which may require hospitalization and medical intervention.
Last but not least, we take anti-inflammatory drugs for a reason — to stop inflammation. Alcohol tends to stoke the fire of the body’s natural response to pathogens or injury in a few different ways:
Want to know more? Check out “Does Alcohol Cause Inflammation?”
Here are some tips to get the most out of your NSAID treatment.
We wish you a speedy recovery! And remember, Reframe is here to help if you’re having trouble with alcohol. Millions of other users have been exactly where you are and are now thriving and ready to share their stories and advice!
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!
Taking Vyvanse and wondering if an occasional drink is okay? Hear all about why Vyvanse and alcohol are a risky combo 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 a typical Saturday night. You’re at your favorite Japanese restaurant, and when the waiter comes to take your order, you rattle off, “Miso salmon, a side of broccoli and rice, and a glass of …” You’re about to order your usual red, but then you remember that you’re taking Vyvanse — a medication commonly prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Can you drink on Vyvanse? Is drinking on Vyvanse dangerous? Let’s explore!
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
It’s a typical Saturday night. You’re at your favorite Japanese restaurant, and when the waiter comes to take your order, you rattle off, “Miso salmon, a side of broccoli and rice, and a glass of …” You’re about to order your usual red, but then you remember that you’re taking Vyvanse — a medication commonly prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Can you drink on Vyvanse? Is drinking on Vyvanse dangerous? Let’s explore!
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).
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
