DANGERS OF MIXING ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

REACTIONS WITH RECREATIONAL DRUGS

AMPHETAMINE
-

possible increased risk for heart problems

more likely to overdose, or get alcohol poisoning
strokes or convulsions

COCAINE
-

increases in heart rate and blood pressure

risk of overdose and sudden death

CLUB DRUGS (DATE RAPE DRUGS) Examples: GHB, ketamine, rohypnol roofies
-

Cause nausea, breathing difficulties, and death

MDMA Examples: Ecstasy, E, X, Molly

-

may interfere with bodys ability to regulate body temperature hyperthermia

serious liver, kidney, or cardiovascular system failure and death
increases risk of seizures, nausea, blurred vision, faintness

HALLUCINOGENS Examples: LSD (acid), Psilocybin mushrooms, Salvia, PCP, Ketamine

-

unpredictable outcomes
effects of both drugs are intensified and may lead to coma

STREET OPIATES Examples: Heroin, Opium

-

additive effects and increases risk of overdose

dangerous slowing down of heart rate and respiration
coma, or sudden death by respiration failure

MARIJUANA
-

nausea, vomiting, panic, anxiety, or paranoia

faster absorption of THC which amplifies the effects of marijuana, leading to increased
risk of greening out
change in blood pressure, rapid heart rate
intensified cognitive, motor, and driving impairment
increase risk of experiencing psychotic symptoms

REACTIONS WITH PRESCRIPTION/ OVER THE COUNTE

DRUGS

Medication
(Brand name)

Symptom/Disorders

Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for

Tylenol, Claritin,
overdose
Benadryl, Sudafed

Allergies/ Colds/
Flu
Anxiety and
epilepsy

Attention and

concentration
(Attention
deficit/hyperactivity
disorder)
Cough

Depression

Nausea, motion
sickness

Some possible reactions with alcohol

Ativan
Valium Xanax

Liver damage, drowsiness

Herbal
preparations (Kava
Kava)
Adderall
Concerta,
Ritalin
Delsym,
Robitussin Cough

Abilify

Anafranil

Celexa

Clozaril

Cymbalta

Desyrel

Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for

overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing;
impaired motor control; memory problems

Dramamine

Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired

concentration (methylphenidate,
dexmethylphenidate); possible increased
risk for heart problems (amphetamine,
dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine);
liver damage (atomoxetine)
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for
overdose

Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for

overdose; increased feelings of depression
or hopelessness (all medications); impaired
motor control (quetiapine, mirtazapine);
increased alcohol effect (bupropion); liver
damage (duloxetine)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs),
such as tranylcypromine and phenelzine,
when combined with alcohol, may result in
serious heart-related side effects. Risk for
dangerously high blood pressure is
increased when MAOIs are mixed with
tyramine, a byproduct found in beer and
red wine

Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for

overdose

Stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers; liver

Pain (such as

Advil
Aleve
damage (acetaminophen); rapid heartbeat
muscle ache), fever,
Excedrin Motrin
inflammation
Tylenol

Sleep problems

Ambien
Unisom

Camomile,
Valerian

Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness; slowed

or difficulty breathing; impaired motor
control; unusual behavior; memory
problems