Dawgs Don't Mix Pills with Alcohol

Mixing prescription medications with alcohol or other substances even at small doses can be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

Interactions can differ depending on the type of prescription drug.

• Mixing alcohol with prescription sedatives (tranquilizers and depressants – i.e., Xanax®, Valium®, Ativan®) can decrease heart rate and slow breathing, which can potentially be fatal.
• Similarly, mixing prescription opioids (i.e., OxyCotin®, Percocet®) with alcohol can decrease heart rate and breathing to dangerously low levels, potentially resulting in a coma or death.
• Mixing alcohol with prescription stimulants (i.e., Adderall® or Concerta®) can be dangerous. Stimulants conceal the depressant effects of the alcohol, which can lead to over consuming alcohol, possibly leading to overdose, and mixing them may elevate blood pressure.

Pharmacists provide individual counseling and promote consumer awareness, so utilize their expertise when learning how to properly take your medications. If you plan to consume alcohol or other substances, ask your doctor if there is anything you need to consider while taking the medication being prescribed.

Learn more:

Find out more about how alcohol interacts with prescription medications.

Learn more about Commonly Abused Drugs.