Do you skip medications on drinking days?

It can be dangerous.

What is your reason for skipping medication?

Reason 1. Skipping because you want to drink too much?

Some people skip medications because they want to drink heavy (too much). There are 2 problems with this logic:

1. Skipping your medication does not mean the medication is out of your system. Your body gets rid of medications slowly. If you have been taking a medication for some time and if you stop for one day, little bit of medication remains in your system. Even if you did not take your medication today, little bit of medication might still be in your system. You can still get serious side effects. Do not skip your medications and do not drink too much.

2. Skipping your medication does not mean the effect of medication is not there. Effect of some medications can stay for long time (days or weeks). Even if you did not take your medication today, the effect of the medication might still be there. So if you drink too much, you can still get serious side effects. Do not skip your medications and do not drink too much.

Reason 2. Skipping because you are worried something bad will happen?

Some people skip medications because they worry something bad will happen if they take medication after drinking.

This can be dangerous.

You are using medication for some health problem. Right? If you skip your medications, your body might not be able to control your health problem

Example: Some people take medications for irregular heartbeat. If you skip your medications, your body might not be able to control irregular heartbeat. On top of that, alcohol can cause irregular heartbeats. So it can be dangerous if you skip your heart medications and drink. Do not skip your medications and do not drink too much.

Another example: Birth control pills need to be taken daily. Skipping your pills can be a problem. You might have to start the cycle all over again. Do not skip your medications and do not drink too much.

Another example: some people take medications for HIV infection. If you skip your medications, your body might not be able to block the virus. Skipping your HIV medications for even for one day can be risky. Do not skip your medications and do not drink too much.

What to do? Is there any way to drink safely with medications?

If you drink in moderation (1 or 2 drinks), many medications can be safely taken with alcohol.

Search your medications on this website to find alcohol interactions.

Read here for tips for safe medication use with alcohol

Page last updated: 30-August-2019