Dangerous Drug Interactions

For centuries, alcohol has been a popular aspect of social gatherings, religious rituals, and has even been used as medication.

Some drugs are prescribed by doctors for a multitude of reasons. Taking these drugs is often part of a daily ritual. Some prescription drugs help lower your blood pressure, prevent stroke or heart attack, and alleviate pain. For many people, it’s common to take several of these every day, sometimes back to back. However, these drugs often have side effects of their own, which can worsen or be life-threatening if mixed with other drugs. Unfortunately, dangerous drug interactions are becoming a growing concern in the U.S. A study conducted by Nolan and O’Malley reported that patients who took ten or more prescribed drugs had over a 90% chance of experiencing major drug interactions.¹

At Banyan Delaware, we understand the harm that can result from mixing drugs and taking several substances at a time. Especially when misused or taken without a prescription, mixing drugs can cause severe reactions and side effects. Individuals who are struggling with substance abuse or the misuse of drugs can avoid dangerous drug interactions by getting help at our rehab facility in Delaware.

Examples of Drug Interactions

Many people are unaware of how dangerous drug interactions can be, or which ones are the most common. There are numerous drug combinations to avoid unless you’re specifically advised to do so by your doctor. Factors that contribute to drug interactions include the properties of the drug, the dosage, how often it’s being taken, the person’s current health condition, and any other additional medications that are being used. Negative side effects can occur from various combinations of drug interactions.

Some of the most dangerous drug interactions result from combinations like:²

• Benzodiazepines and Alcohol
• Alcohol and prescription stimulants
• Antidepressants and methadone
• Painkillers and supplements
• Antibiotics and oral contraceptives
• Coumadin and aspirin
• ACE inhibitors (blood pressure medicine) and nasal decongestants
• Opioids and alcohol

Many of these drugs are medications that are commonly prescribed to individuals with blood clots, high blood pressure, or chronic pain. The risk of harmful side effects, addiction, and even overdose is high because so many people accidentally mix or misuse these drugs. The fact that painkillers, opioids, and other prescription pills are assigned to people at the same time also increases the chances of combining them or misusing them. Individuals who are misusing drugs or struggling with drug abuse can begin their recovery treatment with a medically monitored detox.

How to Prevent Harmful Drug Interactions

It’s important to be aware of several factors when you’re taking medications. Any time you take a drug, whether it’s prescribed by your doctor or not, you put yourself at risk of experiencing side effects. Combining drugs increases these chances and can cause severe damage and sometimes, permanent health problems.

Know What You’re Taking

Although this may seem like an obvious point, many people leave the doctor’s office without knowing the name of the new medication they’ve been prescribed. It’s important to ask questions about any new and existing medications. If you’re prescribed a new medication, or you’re currently taking one that you don’t know much about, ask your doctor about its contents, what it treats, and its possible side effects.

Keep A Log

Another great way to prevent major drug reactions is to keep a log of what medications you’re taking and when they must be taken. By keeping your drug list organized, you can minimize the chance of you mixing one medication with another or combining drugs that you weren’t supposed to.

Only Take What’s Prescribed to You

Prescription drugs are regulated because they can cause physical harm, addiction, and sometimes overdose when they are misused. The best way to avoid mixing drugs is to only take medications that your doctor has prescribed to you.

At Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware, we understand how dangerous drug interactions can be. Combining drugs or taking the wrong ones together by accident can cause serious health problems and possibly lead to addiction. We provide treatment for people who are struggling with substance abuse so they can recover and get sober. In programs like our residential treatment program, people can get the help they need to overcome drug abuse and avoid the deadly effects of mixing drugs.

If you or a loved one are suffering from substance abuse, do not wait to get help. Call us at 888-280-4763to begin your journey to sobriety.

Sources:

1. NCBI- A study of harmful drug-drug interactions due to polypharmacy in hospitalized patients in Goa Medical College
2. NIH- Serious drug interactions