What are the effects of taking anti anxiety meds and alcohol together?
Combining alcohol with anti-anxiety medications can have potentially serious and even fatal side effects. Here are the effects of mixing anti-anxiety meds and alcohol:
Increased Sedation: Both alcohol and anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium) or barbiturates (rarely used today), have sedative properties. When taken together, they can significantly enhance the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction time.
Respiratory Depression: Alcohol and anti-anxiety medications can suppress the activity of the central nervous system, including the respiratory centers in the brain. This combined effect can lead to slowed or shallow breathing, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol and anti-anxiety medications can both affect cognitive functions, including judgment and decision-making. Combining them can further impair these abilities, increasing the risk of impulsive behavior and poor decision-making.
Increased Risk of Accidents: The combination of alcohol and anti-anxiety medications can significantly impair coordination, reaction time, and judgment. This can significantly increase the risk of accidents, such as falls, injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
Blackouts: Mixing alcohol and anti-anxiety medications can lead to blackouts, where a person experiences a complete loss of memory and is unaware of their actions. This can have severe consequences, including engaging in risky or dangerous behavior without recollection of the events.
Enhanced Intoxication: Anti-anxiety medications can affect how alcohol is metabolized in the body, leading to an increased and prolonged feeling of intoxication. This can last longer than if alcohol or the medication were consumed separately.
Drug Interactions: Some anti-anxiety medications, particularly certain benzodiazepines, can interact with alcohol, intensifying their sedative and cognitive-impairing effects. These drug interactions can greatly increase the risks associated with combining the two substances.
It's crucial to note that the specific effects can vary depending on the individual, the dosage of alcohol and medication involved, and other factors like weight, age, and overall health. Therefore, individuals taking anti-anxiety medications should always consult with their healthcare provider about potential drug interactions and any precautions they need to take regarding alcohol consumption.
In general, it is strongly advised to avoid combining anti-anxiety medications and alcohol. If you're taking anti-anxiety meds, consult with your doctor about specific guidelines and instructions for safe medication use, including any restrictions on alcohol consumption.