Safety Tips on Medicines & Alcohol

Combining prescriptions or using alcohol with a particular medication may inadvertently cause depression, anxiety, or physical health problems. As You Age . . . A Guide to Aging, Medicines, and Alcohol, is an informational brochure designed to help reduce this danger. (See SAMHSA News, Prescription Drugs & Alcohol Don't Mix.)

Following are some tips from the brochure:

• Know that some medicines do not mix well with other medications, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.
  
  
• Note changes in body weight. These changes can influence the amount of medicine needed.
  
  
• Read labels on medications carefully and follow the directions.
  
  
• Look for pictures or statements that prohibit drinking alcohol while taking a certain medicine.
  
  
• Talk to a health care professional about all medications, including prescription ones, over-the-counter medicines, and vitamins.
  
  
• Go through the medicine chest and get rid of expired medicines regularly.

For an electronic copy of the As You Age brochure or other materials, visit SAMHSA's Web site at www.asyouage.samhsa.gov.