Effects of psychotropic drugs and alcohol
Alcohol acts on different parts of the human body. After the alcohol has been absorbed from the stomach and intestines and from there into the bloodstream, the substance is distributed throughout the body. In the liver, alcohol is broken down mainly by two specific enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase.
The symptoms that are felt after drinking alcohol can be traced back to the effect of the substance in the brain. There it can lead to excitatory effects as well as, with an increased alcohol level, to tiredness, concentration problems, dizziness, headaches and dizziness. The modes of action of psychotropic drugs vary greatly depending on the drug group.
What they all have in common, however, is that they interfere with certain processes in the brain. As with alcohol, the breakdown of many psychotropic drugs often takes place in the liver. Since psychotropic drugs and alcohol have an effect in the central nervous system and are often broken down in the liver, it is obvious that interactions can be caused both by the effect in the brain and by the breakdown.
Prognosis
The simultaneous intake of a psychotropic drug and alcohol can have different consequences. If large amounts of alcohol are not consumed, the prognosis can be considered favorable. However, some psychotropic drugs in combination with alcohol can lead to life-threatening side effects, which is why the prognosis in these situations is less favourable. In general, a doctor should be consulted immediately if unexpected symptoms are noticed in order to prevent serious consequences of taking the drug at the same time.
