Dangerous situations - when alcohol can hit you hard

When you are dehydrated

When you are dehydrated, you can get low blood pressure.

Alcohol can make you more dehydrated. Alcohol can also lower your blood pressure.

Some meds can also lower your blood pressure (example: blood pressure meds, angina meds, arrythmia meds, prostate meds).

Dangerous situation can happen if you are dehydrated and if you are taking meds and if you drink alcohol.

Your blood pressure can become low. You might feel dizzy, nauseous, lightheaded, weak, tired, sleepy, groggy. You might faint or pass out.

When you are tired or didn't get enough sleep

When you are tired or haven't slept, you have risk of seizures.

Alcohol can also cause seizures.

Some meds can also cause seizures (example: meds for mental problems, depression meds).

Dangerous situation can happen if you haven't slept and if you are taking meds and if you drink alcohol.

You might get seizures.

When you are stressed or emotionally upset

When you are stressed or emotionally upset, you have risk of emotional problems.

Alcohol can also cause emotional problems.

Some meds can also cause emotional problems (example: meds for mental problems, depression meds).

Dangerous situation can happen if you are stressed and if you are taking meds and if you drink alcohol.

You might get emotional problems.

When you are hungry or haven't eaten much food

When you haven't eaten much food, you can get low blood sugar.

Alcohol can also lower your blood sugar.

Some meds can also lower your blood sugar (example: diabetes meds, meds for mental problems).

Dangerous situation can happen if you haven't eaten food and if you are taking meds and if you drink alcohol.

Your blood sugar might get low (this is called hypoglycemia). You can feel confused, tired, sweaty, anxious, shaky, dizzy, hungry

When you are also taking herbs and dietary supplements

Herbs and dietary supplement can also cause side effects. Herbs and dietary supplement can also react with alcohol and your medications.

Remember

Even if you have taken a med with alcohol without any problem, be careful. Every time is different time. Some days we are tired. Some days we are dehydrated. Some days our hormones are messed up. Some days we haven't had much food. Some days we had too much food. Lot of things can add up and you might get a bad reaction.

Suggestions

Talk to your doctor about alcohol use. Your doctor knows your medical history best. Your doctor can make recommendations about safe alcohol use.

Always drink in moderation. Try to keep it less than 2 drinks if you are taking medications.

Before drinking, make sure you are feeling okay. Do not drink if you are feeling sleepy, tired, stressed, or dehydrated.

Drink lots of water and non-alcoholic drinks with alcohol. Simple rule: Drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink.

Eat a snack with your drink. Food in your tummy slows down absorption of alcohol. So you don't get drunk too quick.

Page last updated: 17-September-2019