Interactions with other drugs

Drug

Effects when mixed with Alcohol

Amphetamines

· Temporary arousal

· Increases amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated (gives a false sense of sobriety)

· Reduced co-ordination

· Intensified come down

Anabolic Steroids

· Taking both together can upset the stomach

Aspirin

· Risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

· Damage to stomach lining

Benzodiazepines

· Extreme central nervous system depression

· Impaired co-ordination, reaction time and memory loss

Cannabis

· Decreased alertness, motor and cognitive abilities

· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified

Cocaine & Crack Cocaine

· Temporary arousal

· Increases amount of alcohol needed to feel intoxicated (gives a false sense of sobriety)

· Reduced co-ordination

· Intensified come down

· When mixed with alcohol create a new compound – cocaethylene, in the liver, which is associated with a greater risk of sudden death than in cocaine alone

Ecstasy

· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be prolonged

GHB / GBL

· Extreme central nervous system depression

· Impaired co-ordination, reaction time and memory loss

· Risk of overdose

Ketamine

· Increased risk of liver damage

LSD

· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified

Magic Mushrooms

· Unpredictable and effects of both drugs may be intensified

Methadone, Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodon, Fentanyl, etc.

· Extreme central nervous system depression

· Impaired co-ordination

· Increased risk of respiratory depression (very low breathing rate)

· High risk of overdose

· Impairs gag reflex meaning an increased risk of choking if you vomit

Nitrates, poppers

· Extreme dizziness or fainting

Paracetamol

· Chronic alcoholics more at risk of liver damage (hepatotoxicity)

Solvents

· Can experience transient facial reddening; similar to ‘hot flushes’