Medicine That Makes You Sick If You Drink
Medications are designed to help us get better, but sometimes their side effects can make us feel worse. One of the most common side effects of many medications is that they can make you feel sick if you drink alcohol. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some medications can have this effect, which drugs are most likely to cause it, and what you can do to avoid getting sick.
Why Some Medications Make You Sick If You Drink
When you consume alcohol, your liver breaks it down into acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that can damage cells and tissues in your body. Normally, your liver can process acetaldehyde quickly enough to prevent any harm. However, when you take certain medications, they can interfere with your liver's ability to break down acetaldehyde, causing it to build up in your body and make you feel sick.
The reason why some medications have this effect is that they contain substances that inhibit certain enzymes in your liver that are responsible for breaking down acetaldehyde. These enzymes include alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), which are crucial for metabolizing alcohol and its byproducts.
If you take medication that interferes with these enzymes, your liver may not be able to break down acetaldehyde as efficiently as it normally would. This can lead to a condition called alcohol intolerance, which is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, flushing, and rapid heartbeat.
Some drugs that are known to cause alcohol intolerance include:
- Antibiotics such as metronidazole, tinidazole, and linezolid
- Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and voriconazole
- Antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Antipsychotics such as haloperidol and clozapine
- Anti-anxiety medications such as benzodiazepines and buspirone
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin
- Acne medications such as isotretinoin and acitretin
- Chemotherapy drugs such as disulfiram and procarbazine
What You Can Do to Avoid Getting Sick
If you are taking medication that can make you sick if you drink alcohol, there are several things you can do to avoid getting sick:
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the medication. This is the most effective way to prevent alcohol intolerance.
- If you must drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Stick to one or two drinks per day, and avoid binge drinking.
- Wait at least 24 hours after taking the medication before drinking alcohol. This will give your liver enough time to metabolize the medication.
- Read the medication label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any potential interactions with alcohol.
- Keep track of your symptoms and seek medical attention if they persist or worsen.
Conclusion
Medications can have many side effects, including making you feel sick if you drink alcohol. If you are taking medication that can cause alcohol intolerance, it is important to avoid drinking alcohol or to do so in moderation. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about your medication.