Side effects of psychotropic drugs and alcohol | Psychotropic drugs and alcohol – is it compatible?

Side effects of psychotropic drugs and alcohol

Taking psychotropic drugs and alcohol at the same time may cause undesirable side effects. While many side effects cause only mild symptoms, some combinations can cause severe side effects, which can even be life-threatening. In many cases, the effect of the drugs or the alcohol is intensified.

Especially in those cases where the effect is very similar, the effect can be greatly intensified. Sedatives and sleeping pills taken together with alcohol can lead to dangerous side effects, which are accompanied by a loss of protective reflexes and the drive to breathe. Likewise, a potency-enhancing effect could be observed when antidepressants and neuroleptics as well as so-called mood-stabilizing drugs and alcohol are taken at the same time.

The consumption of alcohol and the intake of the weaning drug Disufiram can lead to severe side effects with a drop in blood pressure and rapid heartbeat. Alcohol consumption is classified as an absolute contraindication to the use of many psychotropic drugs because of the dangerous side effects. A glance at the package insert or consultation with the treating physician provides information about the tolerability of the individual drug taken and alcohol consumed at the same time.

What to do when taking alcohol and psychotropic drugs?

If alcohol and a psychotropic drug have been taken at the same time, the consumption of alcohol should be stopped first. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed and the individual drug taken, a doctor should be consulted and the safety of taking both substances should be inquired about.In many cases the immediate renunciation of alcohol consumption is sufficient and no additional therapy is necessary. Especially when unexpected symptoms occur, a doctor should always be consulted to prevent serious complications caused by the simultaneous use of both substances. This is especially true in the case of loss of consciousness and reduced respiratory drive. In these cases a medical emergency exists, which requires immediate therapy.