Diverticulosis and diverticulitis are becoming prevalent these days. In the past, primarily elderly adults were diagnosed with one or the other. However, more adults are being diagnosed today at a younger age. As more people are experiencing the unpleasant effects of it, they are looking for answers about what to avoid. Many people wonder if they should avoid alcohol use as well. To better answer this question, it helps to understand the condition and how it affects the body.

What Is Diverticulitis?

Diverticulosis is the condition of having diverticula throughout one or more sections of the colon, and it does not go away.[1] Diverticula are weakened areas in the colon that look like protruding pouches. Diverticulitis is an acute infection or inflammation of one or more of those pouches.[1] When a person experiences diverticulitis, it is often referred to as a flare-up.

Not every person who is diagnosed with diverticulosis will experience an acute attack.[2] For example, a person may find out about it during a colonoscopy. Some people have one infection or acute inflammation incident, and others may have recurring flare-ups. The disease is still not a well-understood condition since it affects people differently. Some people still experience flare-ups after following medical advice. Addressing increased risk factors may be a way to understand better what to do.

Risk Factors for Diverticulitis and Diverticulosis

Heredity is a risk factor.[3] Many people diagnosed with diverticulosis have a parent or grandparent with it. Researchers and medical scientists identify some other potential risk factors.[3] They include:

• Poor diet with a lack of fiber intake.
• Current smoking habit or a history of smoking.
• A sedentary lifestyle or a lack of regular exercise.
• Being seriously overweight.
• Reaching a senior age.
• Certain medications like opioids or NSAIDs.

There may be other medications that affect the likelihood of diverticulitis flare-ups. Any medication that causes constipation as a side effect can increase the risk of diverticulitis. Opioids are known culprits of causing constipation.[4] Being overweight, being sedentary, and not eating healthy can also contribute to chronic constipation.

One of the critical pieces of advice nearly when a patient undergoes a gastroenterology test is that every doctor and gastroenterologist tells people is to consume plenty of fiber and water when they are not in an acute flare-up phase. This may prevent frequent flare-ups by helping waste move smoothly through the colon.[5] Constipation can cause hard stool that puts pressure on the walls of the colon. Straining to remove that stool can lead to additional diverticula pouches or stool entering the pouches, leading to an infection.[6]

Although NSAIDs are not known to cause severe constipation, they have increased the risks of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.[3] They are also associated with an increase in flare-ups.[7] Because this can increase another risk of diverticulosis, many specialists advise people who have had a flare-up to avoid taking any NSAIDs for pain relief.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis

People who have the condition of diverticulosis may never notice any symptoms. However, if a diverticulitis flare-up happens, the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation or infection. Also, some symptoms may indicate a severe complication, which will be discussed in the next section. When it comes to diverticulitis attacks, doctors refer to them as uncomplicated or complicated. An uncomplicated flare-up or attack happens with a localized infection or inflammation.[8] These are some associated symptoms:

• Abdominal tenderness and distension
• Fever
• Lower left quadrant pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Discomfort with urination
• Nausea

It is important to note that while constipation is a common factor in many cases of diverticulitis, some people experience diarrhea instead. Others may develop diarrhea after a bout of constipation. Also, while lower left quadrant pain is most common, some people experience pain in other areas. The most common place for infection is in the sigmoid colon.[2] This S-shaped portion connects to the descending colon and the rectum in the pelvic region.[9] People can still develop a painful infection in any other part of the colon where there are diverticula. The transverse colon crosses the abdomen, the descending colon goes along the left side, and the ascending colon is on the right.[10]

Diverticulitis Complications

Although many diverticulitis cases are mild or uncomplicated, about 25% are complicated.[3] This means that in addition to inflammation or infection, there is a perforation, abscess, bleeding, obstruction, fistula, or phlegmon.[8] A perforation means a diverticulum ruptures, leading to bowel contents spilling into the abdominal cavity.

A fistula is an abnormal connection between parts or organs. An obstruction is a form of bowel blockage, which prevents stool from passing usually. Abscesses are pockets or collections of pus. A phlegmon occurs when an infection is not contained and spreads to surrounding tissue. Symptoms of a complicated diverticulitis attack may be more severe.[11] They may include those stated in the previous section or the following more severe symptoms:

• Abdomen tender to touch
• Severe pain and bloating
• Inability to pass gas or stool
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
• High fever and chills

Diverticulitis Treatment

Anyone who may be experiencing an acute diverticulitis attack should seek immediate medical care. Severe symptoms should be treated in an emergency room. Some people opt for urgent care. However, it is essential to note that many urgent care facilities do not have the machines to perform CT scans that hospitals have.[12] A CT scan is necessary to confirm diverticulitis, and it is also valuable since it shows the severity of the flare-up.[13]

Treatment for uncomplicated diverticulitis includes antibiotics to treat the infection and a few days of consuming only a clear liquid diet.[1] This gives the inflamed bowel a chance to rest. People are usually advised to eat a low-fiber diet that is soft for several days afterward.[1] Although fiber is typically recommended to prevent flare-ups, it can irritate the inflamed bowel during an acute inflammation attack or infection. Eventually, the person can work up to a high-fiber diet again. Most doctors also recommend a colonoscopy after the bowel heals to see if there are any other issues and the extent of the diverticula.

If a person has frequent uncomplicated attacks, surgery to remove the problematic area of the colon may eventually be recommended to prevent future complication risks or to improve quality of life. When this colon resection surgery is planned, there is an option for many people to have a robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery that may not require a temporary colostomy bag.[14]

With complicated attacks, surgery is often required.[15] Emergency surgery is less ideal since it often means a patient must have a colostomy bag for at least several months. While many colostomies can later be reversed thanks to modern medical advances, some may still be permanent.[15] Although surgery may eliminate future flare-ups for many people, it is essential to remember that diverticula do not go away. More can develop, and the remaining diverticula in other parts of the colon may become infected.

Can You Drink Alcohol With Diverticulitis?

When a person is experiencing the acute condition of diverticulitis, it is essential to avoid alcohol consumption. Alcoholic beverages can make symptoms worse during an acute attack.[16] Also, alcohol abuse can weaken the immune system, making infections linger.[17] Flagyl is a common antibiotic for treating diverticulitis infections. People who have alcohol intake while taking it or within a few days of stopping it can experience nausea, vomiting, headaches, and abdominal pain.[18]

Even after resuming a high-fiber diet, it is still not advisable to consume alcohol frequently. Many people find that their flare-ups happen after periods of drinking alcohol.[16] For example, a person with diverticulosis who drinks a lot may develop diverticulitis.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction

What happens when a person drinks heavily and experiences a diverticulitis attack or has a diverticular disease? It is essential to break the addiction and protect long-term health. Knowing the potentially severe complications and experiencing the pain of an attack may incentivize some people to stop drinking or seek and prioritize healthcare treatment if they have a drinking problem. However, people who suffer from addiction cannot stop on their own and require professional help to break the cycle of addiction. An intervention may be necessary to encourage the person to go to rehab and encourage a lifestyle change.If you or someone you know has an addiction or needs treatment for alcohol misuse, Long Island Interventions is here to help. We assist by connecting you with professional intervention resources, information about treatment options, and contact information for treatment facilities near Long Island. To learn more about alcohol addiction treatment near Long Island, please get in touch with us.

FAQ

References
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/multimedia/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis/img-20006098
[2] https://www.registerednursern.com/diverticulosis-and-diverticulitis-nclex-review/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493184/
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedy-for-diverticulitis
[6] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diverticular-disease
[7] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21320500/
[8] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0501/p612.html
[9] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10352-diverticular-disease
[10] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100089_1.htm
[11] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23478-gastrointestinal-perforation
[12] https://ercare24.com/emergency-care-vs-urgent-care/
[13] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371764
[14] https://www.houstonmethodist.org/leading-medicine-blog/articles/2021/aug/robotic-nice-procedure-completely-minimally-invasive-approach-to-colon-resection-for-diverticulitis/
[15] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789942/
[16] https://www.livestrong.com/article/480205-the-diverticulitis-diet-drinking-alcohol/
[17] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590612/
[18] https://www.healthline.com/health/bad-buzz-metronidazole-flagyl-and-alcohol

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Published on: 2022-10-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a common issue that causes millions of people to feel miserable every year. While it is considered a low-grade infection, seeking medical treatment at the first sign of a UTI can shorten the duration of the infection and ease the symptoms. Macrobid is one of the more common prescription drugs that are used to treat urinary tract infections. While it is an effective treatment, individuals who consume alcohol while on Macrobid may experience significant side effects.

Understanding UTIs

Your urinary tract comprises the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A UTI is an infection in any one of these parts of the body. Often, a UTI will spread to other areas of the urinary tract. UTIs are more common in women than in men. The Urology Care Foundation states that roughly 60% of women and 12% of men will have at least one UTI over their lifetime. Some people will experience multiple or chronic infections. One of the reasons why women are more susceptible to infections in this area of the body is because of the short distance between the female urethra and anus. This shortened distance makes it more likely for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. The shorter length of a female urethra also makes it more likely for that bacteria to travel to the bladder and other urinary tract areas.

What You Need to Know About Macrobid

Macrobid is prescribed exclusively for treating urinary tract infections and bladder infections. It is not used to treat kidney or bacterial infections in other body areas. It may also be known as nitrofurantoin, Aeration, Macrodantin, and Furdantin. Macrobid is an antibacterial medication that suppresses bacteria’s growth and reproduction. Specifically, it targets cell wall synthesis, DNA replication, RNA synthesis and protein synthesis.

Taking Macrobid as prescribed could result in several unpleasant side effects. The medication is known to cause dark urine, sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea and headaches. While these are common side effects, you should consult with your physician if they become severe or worsen.

The Effects of Taking Macrobid with Alcohol

With some medications, mixing them with alcohol can have dire and even potentially fatal consequences. This may be because the interaction produces toxic elements in the bloodstream or the effects of one or both substances are amplified in the body. These will not be concerns when you take Macrobid and consume alcohol, so there is no need to seek immediate medical attention if you mix these two substances. However, there could be indirect consequences of consuming these substances simultaneously.

One potential issue is dehydration. When you have a urinary tract infection, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Unfortunately, alcohol is a diuretic, so it causes excessive urination and can lead to dehydration. The bacterial concentration can increase if you become dehydrated with a urinary tract infection. This can lead to more significant bacterial growth, and there is an increased risk that the infection could spread to the kidneys. In addition, dehydration generally weakens your total-body immune response and other body systems. Because of this, dehydration can lead to a general decline in health while your body is trying to fight off the UTI.

If you become dehydrated while on Macrobid, the medication’s side effects may worsen. Some symptoms that may be uncomfortable initially could become more severe and even dangerous if you are dehydrated. Some symptoms most affected by dehydration are headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Some people may have heard that consuming alcohol will make Macrobid ineffective. However, several studies have been conducted, and this claim has been debunked. On the other hand, it remains to be seen if the consumption of alcohol may impact the drug’s strength in the body. It has been suggested that alcohol’s impact on dehydration and the immune system may reduce a person’s natural ability to combat bacterial infection. It is also important to note that heavy alcohol consumption can negatively impact a person’s sleep patterns. A minor disruption in sleep patterns can significantly and negatively impact the body’s immune response. As a result of these impacts on the immune system, the infection may take longer to clear up even while it is being treated with Macrobid. Remember that your body needs ample rest, proper nutrition, and hydration to fight the infection effectively.

Be aware that there may be unique concerns related to consuming alcohol while taking Macrobid if you have an underlying health condition or other circumstances. For example, a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding may be advised by her physician to avoid mixing these two substances. In addition, individuals with diabetes, renal impairment, or other known liver problems should avoid the combination of Macrobid and alcohol. In some cases, individuals who have these concerns may be more likely to experience severe side effects or other serious issues. Your doctor should know your complete medical history to provide accurate advice and an appropriate treatment plan for your urinary tract infection.

What to Do If You Take Macrobid with Alcohol

Because of the possibility of exacerbating the infection and the medication’s side effects, it may be wise to avoid consuming alcohol while on Macrobid. If you have one or more drinks while on Macrobid, you should consume ample water. This could mitigate some of the effects of alcohol-related dehydration and ease some of the medication’s side effects. Some people may notice a worsening of their UTI symptoms or a worsening of Macrobid side effects after mixing their prescription medication with alcohol. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you should contact your physician immediately or seek emergency medical assistance.

Is There a Safe Amount of Alcohol?

If you are healthy without any underlying health conditions or concerns, you may be able to drink a limited amount of alcohol with caution. Be aware, however, that you cannot know how your body will react beforehand. With this in mind, you should drink only a small amount of alcohol with extreme care. Those compelled to drink should consume no more than two or three alcoholic beverages every other day. However, you should generally aim to consume less alcohol than you usually do. If you normally drink a glass of alcohol daily, you should trim this to a glass every two or three days while you are on Macrobid.

The Typical Course of Treatment

For most people, treatment with Macrobid will clear up the infection. You should continue taking the full amount of Macrobid prescribed by the doctor even if you start to feel better. This will prevent a recurrence. Typically, patients are told to take their prescribed dosage of Macrobid twice a day. The minimum treatment period may last five days, but some doctors prescribe a 7-day course to ensure that the infection has been adequately treated.

Seek Treatment for Alcohol Abuse

While the length of Macrobid treatment is relatively short, some people find it difficult to abstain from alcohol or limit their alcohol consumption for this period. If you believe you may have a problem with alcohol abuse, rest assured that help is available. Long Island Interventions can help you to detox from alcohol and to establish and maintain a sober lifestyle. Contact Long Island Interventions today to learn about alcohol detox and rehabilitation.

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Published on: 2022-10-31
Updated on: 2024-07-11

Alcoholism is a disease that damages the human body in various ways. Some of the worst damage is done to the liver. Our bodies can’t absorb alcohol. It’s a toxin and needs to be filtered out of the body as much as possible to avoid the most harmful effects of consumption. The liver is extremely good at filtering toxins such as alcohol from our systems. Still, in cases of alcoholism, the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption are so high that the liver can’t process it all fast enough and becomes badly damaged over time. Luckily, the liver is highly resilient. It can withstand a lot of damage and heal quite well on its own. Detoxing safely and healthily as soon as possible after developing an alcohol dependency gives your liver the best chance to fully heal and return your body to a healthier state. Here are the key signs that your liver is healing from alcohol damage.

Better Blood Clotting

Mild consumption of alcohol has been noted as possibly beneficial because it acts as a blood thinner and helps prevent clotting issues such as heart attacks. However, consuming too much alcohol leads to clotting issues. Bleeding becomes harder to stop, your skin becomes easier to bruise, and healing becomes much more difficult.

Your liver has a vital role in managing blood clotting. Specifically, it handles many processes involved in coagulation, such as producing bile salts to absorb vitamin K, which is necessary for the clotting process. When your liver is healing, you may notice that your blood is clotting better. You’re not as prone to bruising, you stop bleeding more quickly when wounded, and your healing process is faster.

More Stable Weight

It’s incredibly common for people with alcohol dependency issues to suffer from fluctuations in weight. When the liver is damaged and unable to function correctly, it can’t process nutrients the way it usually would and messes up your metabolism. It’s very common for people with alcoholism to not eat much but still gain weight, or they eat an average amount and still lose weight. The former is caused by the liver’s inability to process fats sufficiently while consuming a lot of calories from alcoholic beverages, and the latter is caused by malnutrition due to the low functionality of the liver.

As your liver heals and your metabolism starts to function more normally, you’ll notice your weight starts to level out and be easier to manage.

More Energy

Fatigue is a very common symptom of alcoholism and liver damage. A damaged liver can’t store, process, and produce glucose effectively. Many systems and organs in your body need adequate glucose to function well. Without that glucose, fatigue sets in very quickly. Additionally, when the liver cannot dispose of waste within the body effectively, the excess waste and toxin buildup slows many functions within the body and makes you feel sluggish. While your liver heals from damage, it can store and produce glucose much better and dispose of waste effectively, giving you more energy throughout the day.

Improved Amino Acid Storage and Regulation

Your liver needs amino acids to function and heal itself. When damaged, the liver cannot regulate your body’s amino acids and proteins well enough. As a result, its ability to filter out toxins becomes compromised. While healing, your liver can regulate amino acids better and improve its ability to filter toxins.

Healthier Appearance in Skin and Eyes

One of the most notable symptoms of a damaged liver is discoloration in your skin and eyes. When the liver is damaged and can’t correctly filter toxins, these toxins build up in your skin, blood, and other areas throughout your body. With enough toxin buildup, you develop jaundice, a condition where your skin and eyes become tinted with yellow due to an overabundance of toxins in your body.

As your liver heals, the yellow hue will start to disappear. Your eyes will look clearer and brighter, and your skin will return to a more natural and healthier tone.

Better Immune System

The liver is a crucial component of your immune system. In addition to filtering out toxins, the liver also detects and eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to prevent you from getting illnesses and infections. Damaged livers cannot detect or destroy bacteria nearly as well as a healthy liver, leaving you vulnerable to various diseases, viruses, and infections. In severe damage, your liver may be left so vulnerable to buildups of bacteria that you develop septic shock, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical attention.

After becoming sober and giving your liver time to heal, your liver will slowly be able to fight off dangerous pathogens again and better protect you from illnesses and infections.

Improved Appetite

The liver is not technically a part of your digestive system, but it has a vital role in digestion since it creates bile, which breaks down fats and turns them into energy. The liver also takes other nutrients from food and turns them into many essential chemicals the body needs to function. Any toxins or unhealthy materials that cannot be used by the body or digested are filtered out by the liver and disposed of. An unhealthy liver drastically disrupts the digestive process and negatively affects your appetite. It’s a dangerous cycle since your body will need additional food to help increase the production of essential substances as much as possible to help compensate for your liver’s diminished functionality. Still, the effects of poor digestion ruin your appetite and make you malnourished.

As you recover from alcohol dependency, you will likely notice that your appetite will greatly increase. This is because your body is trying to both recover from the damage the alcohol has done to your system and because it’s trying to replace one source of dopamine, a chemical within your body that creates feelings of pleasure, for another. You feel good when you eat, and eating commonly becomes a coping mechanism when recovering from any form of addiction.

This increase in appetite isn’t the same as the healthier eating patterns that will develop as your liver heals and you recover from alcoholism. It’s important to acknowledge as quickly as possible that an increase in your appetite is very good and healthy. Still, a desire to continuously overeat is unhealthy both physically and mentally. With the assistance and support of friends, family, and professionals in addiction recovery and therapy, you can enjoy a healthier appetite without adopting an unhealthy diet.

Reduced Brain Fog

When the liver doesn’t filter out toxins from the blood, these toxins build up in other areas of the body, such as the brain. A high level of toxins in the brain creates numerous adverse cognitive effects, such as general confusion, poor judgment, mood swings, memory issues, and difficulty processing information. When your liver starts healing, it can filter out those toxins more effectively. Your brain will be able to work much more efficiently, and all of your cognitive processes will improve as a result.

Less Pain

With a diminished immune system and healing capabilities, suffering from injuries with a damaged liver becomes much more painful and difficult than it would be with a healthy liver. To make matters worse, a damaged liver is also the direct cause of chronic abdominal pain. The liver becomes inflamed and painful as the liver becomes engorged with a buildup of toxins, bacteria, and other harmful materials that it can’t process correctly. The inflammation is painful enough, but the increase in size may cause the liver to press against other organs and cause additional pain.

When you stop consuming alcohol and your liver is given a chance to heal, it will be able to process and eliminate those toxins and other waste materials it has stored up. The inflammation will subside, and the liver will no longer press against other organs, significantly reducing your pain levels.

While not all liver damage can be reversed entirely, the sooner an individual with alcoholism gets help, stops consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, and allows their liver to heal, the lower the chances of permanent damage. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism and wants more information on alcohol detox to start on a path to recovery, call Long Island Interventions. The professionals at Long Island Interventions will not only help you get your alcohol consumption under control in a safe manner, but they will also provide you with the tools and treatments necessary to keep you healthy and sober in the future.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-10-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

One of the many possible consequences of getting drunk is saying things that are hurtful or humiliating.

Drunk people may hurl insults at their family, friends, or romantic partner. They may crack unflattering jokes about their boss or make a pass at a colleague. Sometimes, they blurt out secrets or rant about an entire group of people.

In the aftermath of such behavior, it’s tempting to make excuses and place all the blame on the alcohol. But these excuses prevent people from taking responsibility for their heavy drinking and the effects of drunk words.

How Does Alcohol Affect Personality?

The day after a humiliating incident at a party or at a bar, a person who drank too much will often say, “That wasn’t really me. That was the drink talking.”

Similar excuses may come from their loved ones. “They aren’t really like that. They don’t even know what they’re saying.”

People cling to the idea that there’s an authentic self separate from the drunken persona. But there isn’t any evidence to suggest such a stark separation.

Alcohol, of course, affects behavior, including speech. When drinking heavily, people are more likely to:

• Show certain qualities associated with extraversion, such as gregariousness and assertiveness.
• Behave aggressively, especially in response to a perceived provocation.
• Experience lowered inhibitions.
• Care less about the consequences of various behaviors, including harmful speech.
• Exhibit poor judgment and a deficiency in reasoning abilities.

Even though alcohol affects behavior, it’s essential to remember that people still show an individual response to intoxication. From one person to another, there’s a lot of variation.

Some people stay quiet when they’re drunk, and maybe they fall asleep on the couch. Others crack jokes and laugh more, or they burst into tears. And some behave belligerently.

When people become drunk, they don’t develop an entirely new personality. They don’t become a whole other person. Even if some of their behavioral tendencies become more pronounced, they’re still themselves, albeit intoxicated.

You see emotions or aspects of their character that they ordinarily suppress or keep under better control. Anger, bitterness, sorrow, and even tenderness or nostalgia are powerful feelings that may emerge. Maybe they’re not even aware of the strength of their feelings. But their emotions are a part of them.

Loss of inhibition and impaired judgment make it less likely that they’ll hold back on damaging speech. When drunk, they don’t ask themselves if what they’re saying is fair, kind, or entirely truthful, and they don’t particularly care about how others will react. It may even give them temporary satisfaction to say something mean or outrageous.

The next day, they may feel ashamed and defensive. They’ll probably want to create distance between themselves and the remarks they made when they were drunk. But it isn’t realistic or honest to pretend that the drunk comments came from another person.

Are Drunk People Really Telling the Truth?

If alcohol doesn’t give people an entirely new personality, does that mean drunk people reveal the truth about themselves when they speak? Do their drunk words reflect what they think when they’re sober?

The reality is complicated. Although drunk people share something about themselves through their speech, they aren’t necessarily revealing a permanent or absolute truth.

For example, let’s say you tell a drunk friend to stop drinking. In response, they may scream, “I hate you!”

Does this mean they regularly hate you? Not necessarily. Their outburst may reflect a temporary state of resentment, anger, and shame. Even if they enjoy your company at other times, they may not be able to stand the sight of you at that very moment. Or they may be trying to drive you away so they can continue to drink uninterrupted.

What about loving words? A drunken declaration of love may reflect a deep or enduring emotion. Or it may arise from a temporary surge of warmth, sociability, or attraction.

Another scenario is when a drunk person shares an opinion about your appearance, work, or something else that matters significantly to you. Because they’re speaking with fewer filters or inhibitions, what you may be hearing is their honest opinion. Does it reflect the entirety of what they think about you? Are they telling the truth, or are they saying something merely for comedic effect or to needle you?

This is a painful question to contemplate. Even if the drunk person’s opinion is incomplete or inaccurate, you may feel disrespected, humiliated, or unloved. Their comments undermine your trust in them because you wonder what they may be hiding from you. When they’re sober, are they just pretending to like you? Do they hold you in such contempt?

Dealing with a drunk person can get even more confusing when you realize that they sometimes make things up. For example, they may tell you a story that they wish were true or that they consider entertaining, but it doesn’t reflect events that happened. The fabricated story may provide insight into their thought processes, but it doesn’t reveal anything factual.

How you interpret their words depends on multiple factors, including their general behavior patterns when drunk or sober. The nature of their comments will also have an impact on your relationship. There’s a huge difference between an empty boast and a cruel personal remark.

A drunk person’s speech doesn’t necessarily tell you everything about them or your relationship with them. But it can still cause you to confront painful and confusing possibilities.

The Need for Taking Responsibility

In the aftermath of the intoxicated speech, it’s not enough for someone to claim that they didn’t mean what they said. Somehow, their words reflected their opinions or state of mind. Also, the consequences of their words may be rippling out into daily life, damaging relationships, increasing the risk of job loss, or causing other serious problems.

Instead of pretending that their drunk words have nothing to do with their sober life, people need to take responsibility for their drinking and its consequences.

If you’re ashamed of what you say when drunk, or if your words have been hurting others and causing you difficulties, it’s time to ask yourself if your drinking has become a problem. Are you able to drink more moderately? Or does your alcohol use feel spiraling out of your control?

One sign of problematic drinking is that it hurts your relationships and other areas of your life, such as work and family obligations. Drunk words may be one way in which your alcohol use is hurting you. Instead of denying the reality of these words, turn them into a wake-up call for yourself.

Seeking Help at Long Island Interventions

The long-term effects of alcohol dependence and abuse are numerous. Excessive drinking elevates the risk of liver disease, stroke, heart problems, brain damage, and various cancers. It leads to psychological problems, impaired cognitive functioning, and low quality of life.

Don’t delay in getting help for alcohol misuse. Even if you don’t think you have full-blown alcohol dependence, you can still benefit from interventions for problematic drinking. These interventions will address the problems drinking causes in your life, including the effects of drunk speech.

When you reach out to Long Island Interventions, you can expect help from highly skilled and compassionate professionals. You’ll get treated as an individual, and the interventions will be tailored to what you personally need. Along with addressing the drinking itself, you’ll work on the habits, beliefs, and emotions that feed into the problem. The result is effective and dignified care.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-10-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

Any time you take a prescription drug or over-the-counter medication for any medical condition, you must understand how it will mix with other substances you might ingest through its drug information and disclaimer attached to the bottle itself or packaging. Alcohol use should be avoided with many medications because it can cause mild to serious side effects like allergic reactions and other concerns. Now that you have been prescribed fluconazole, you understandably need to know if it is safe to continue drinking alcohol for the length of your treatment. What should you know about the impact of alcohol consumption with fluconazole treatment?

What Is Fluconazole?

Fluconazole is an FDA-approved antifungal medication that is only available through a doctor’s prescription. It may also be prescribed by its brand names, Diflucan or Canesten. While it is usually taken in tablet form, fluconazole is also available in a liquid formula for oral ingestion. In the body, it works to eradicate fungal overgrowths. Specifically, it blocks the membrane growth of fungal cells to fight the infection.

Commonly, fluconazole is prescribed to treat penile balanitis, yeast infections, and oral thrush. In some cases, it may also be prescribed as a treatment for meningitis, urinary tract infections, and fungal infections impacting the lungs, esophagus, abdomen, and other areas of the body. This medication may also be prescribed before a bone marrow transplant or as a fungal growth prevention measure for those in chemotherapy. The typical treatment length may range from a week to six months, depending on the type and severity of the infection.

How Does Alcohol Consumption Impact Fluconazole Treatment?

In many cases, your medication’s bottle or box will not have special instructions to avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with fluconazole. Alcohol will not impact fluconazole’s ability to eradicate the membranes of fungal cells and to work effectively. However, it is vital to understand how alcohol may impact your fungal infection before you have a drink. Alcohol has fermented ingredients and sugars, both of which promote the growth of fungal cells in the body. Because of this, thrush, yeast infections, and other fungal infections may thrive because you consumed alcohol. Because of this, it can counteract how effective fluconazole is as a fungal treatment and how long it takes for your infection to clear up.

Keep in mind that fluconazole will not be effective at treating all types of fungal infections. One reason for this is because of antifungal-resistant infections. Such infections can even develop inside your body if you intake alcohol and excessive amounts of sugar during your fluconazole treatment. Because of this, your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol consumption while being treated, even though alcohol consumption is not directly contraindicated.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Fluconazole?

Side effects of Fluconazole usually has been mild. Common side effects are headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and an upset stomach or stomach pain. In some cases, diarrhea, abdominal pain, heartburn, skin itching or inflammation, loss of appetite, and an unpleasant taste could be experienced. These adverse effects can sometimes be magnified by those who drink alcohol with fluconazole (due to substance or drug interactions). In addition, there is a small risk of liver damage related to fluconazole treatment, even if you do not mix the medication with alcohol. Signs of jaundice and other liver conditions could include dark urine and yellow eyes, requiring immediate medical attention.

Several medical studies have determined that approximately 5% of patients on this antifungal treatment have elevated liver enzymes. This is a sign of relatively minor liver damage or liver disease, and the body may naturally recover after treatment ends. However, consuming alcohol in large quantities may also hurt your liver. These two substances can increase the possibility of more severe liver damage. Many doctors will not prescribe fluconazole to patients who have known liver problems for this reason. If you must be on fluconazole for a lengthy period of time, your doctor may monitor your liver enzymes and function through blood tests.

You should also be aware that alcohol impacts the body and could affect your treatment. For example, alcohol is a diuretic, and this means that consumption of alcohol could lead to dehydration. Dehydration can impact liver function, another reason for the increased risk of liver damage. Alcohol is also known to affect sleep cycles negatively. In turn, this impacts the functionality of your immune system. Through this effect, it may take longer for your fungal infection to clear up if you consume alcohol while being treated with fluconazole. This may also lead to an increased risk of an antifungal-resistant infection.

How Much Can You Drink While Being Treated with Fluconazole?

Fluconazole can remain in your system for many days (according to the National Library of Medicine, it has around a 30-hour plasma half-life), so there is no safe number of drinks you can have each day during your treatment. This medication could remain in the body for up to 10 days after the last dose. 

The combination of alcohol and fluconazole may heighten the risk of toxicity. t is best to avoid all alcohol consumption during the entire period.

On the other hand, alcohol remains in the body for a relatively short time. If you are trying to decide when to take your first dose of fluconazole, you should wait at least a few hours after your last drink. However, if your alcohol consumption has been heavy, you should consider waiting an entire day until you take the first dose.

Some people may feel compelled to drink alcohol during treatment and the 10-day waiting period after the last dose. If you choose to drink, avoid beverages high in sugar and yeast. These include cocktails, beer, and more. In addition, you should only drink alcohol in small doses. Some studies have shown that liver damage may occur if you regularly consume more than 30 grams per day. Thirty grams is equivalent to two 5-ounce pours of wine, two 1.5-ounce liquor shots, or two 12-ounce beer bottles.

Is It Challenging to Avoid Drinking During Fluconazole Treatment?

While some people can avoid alcohol consumption throughout their treatment, others may be challenged to do so. Even drinking one or two alcoholic beverages while taking fluconazole can negatively impact your body. The inability to sustain alcohol consumption may indicate an alcohol use disorder. Specifically, this type of disorder is defined as drinking alcohol even when adverse consequences are known. A sign of alcohol addiction is when a person drinks alcohol even after knowing it negatively affects their health, finances, social life, or personal relationships. Alcohol addiction may be associated with spending a significant amount of time recovering from alcohol use and too much time thinking about drinking or drinking more than intended.

Suppose you cannot resist alcohol abuse with fluconazole treatment. In that case, you may benefit from a consultation or medical advice from a healthcare professional with a treatment team even after you know the side effects.

You can learn more about your situation and treatment options through a consultation with a healthcare provider. While some people can stop drinking alcohol independently, many are challenged to do so. Addiction treatment programs are available to help you through this process.

Request a Consultation Today

At Long Island Interventions, our compassionate and supportive team recognizes the many challenges of overcoming an alcohol use disorder or addiction. We are ready to support you in your journey to sobriety. Most treatments begin with alcohol detox, which may be medically assisted to help you manage the unpleasant side effects. A detox may be followed by residential rehab, outpatient rehab, and other programs. While achieving and maintaining sobriety can be challenging, programs may help you to find more tremendous success. Contact Long Island Interventions today to learn about alcohol detox and treatment programs.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-10-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, so it prevents the brain from reabsorbing serotonin. It acts as an agonist that inhibits a serotonin receptor by the name of “5HT2a.” It also keeps the serotonin transporter protein from functioning in the brain. As this occurs, the trazodone prevents the serotonin from being reabsorbed so that it can accumulate within the brain. This has the effect of relieving the negative moods that people suffering from depression often experience.

Trazodone has a short half-life, so it can ease people’s insomnia and maintain their sleep without causing them to feel drowsy, and it doesn’t cause the user to develop a tolerance for the medication. When people take doses of trazodone between 150 milligrams and 600 milligrams, the antidepressant effects are very apparent.

How Does Trazodone Work?

Trazodone increases the presence of noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain, and this has the effect of improving a person’s mood. The levels of these chemicals are lower when you are feeling sad, but when you take trazodone, your levels of noradrenaline and serotonin go up, and this makes you feel better.

Can You Mix Trazodone and Alcohol?

You must not mix trazodone and alcohol, and there are several reasons for this. Alcohol depresses your central nervous system, and the brain’s neurotransmitters and other systems are affected by this. One neurotransmitter that is particularly affected is “GABA.” GABA blocks the communication between neurons, and this has the effect of causing sedation, calmness and relaxation.

More people abuse alcohol than any other substance in the world, so most people are aware that alcohol causes you to become intoxicated. Some of the effects include decreased alertness, poor coordination, blurred vision, impaired judgment and impaired reaction time. When you take trazodone when you are drinking alcohol, this can lead to severe impairment and sedative symptoms. That is because both trazodone and alcohol produce similar effects in the brain.

Other Dangerous Interactions

In addition to the above, the mixture of trazodone and alcohol can also cause an overdose. This isn’t likely to happen, but it can happen when these substances are mixed. Trazodone has elements that have a high potential for causing you to become intoxicated, and it may increase the effects that alcohol causes, so there is an increased possibility that you can overdose on these substances.

If you ingest these two substances over a long period of time, you can become dependent upon them, and you can experience trazodone withdrawal symptoms. These include anxiety and poor sleeping habits.

Mixing trazodone and alcohol can also lead to death. When you consume these substances together, they cause extreme drowsiness, and this can lead you to experience a serious accident. Both trazodone and alcohol contain intoxicating elements that may interfere with your nervous system and respiratory system if you have ingested these substances in large doses.

Interactions between trazodone and alcohol can also cause you to experience serotonin syndrome. When you have serotonin syndrome, your serotonin levels are too high for your brain to tolerate, and it can cause death.

What Are the Side Effects?

Trazodone can cause the effects that alcohol creates to intensify. After all, they are both central nervous system depressants, so when you take them together, you can experience even greater side effects. Examples of these include the following:

• Increased anxiety or depression
• Dramatic mood swings
• Fainting
• Impaired judgment or thinking
• Difficulties concentrating
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Increased intoxication

More Interactions

In addition to the trazodone side effects listed above, the alcohol can cause things to get much worse for you.

If you are taking trazodone for insomnia, alcohol can make your insomnia worse. Studies have shown that alcohol caused study subjects to have poor sleep quality and the inability to sleep for long enough periods of time. The alcohol in the mixture makes you feel sleepy, but it also makes it more difficult for you to fall asleep. When you do manage to go to sleep, the alcohol causes sleep disturbances. This prevents you from being able to enter into rapid eye movement or REM sleep.

In the event that you are taking trazodone for depression, the alcohol in the mixture can cause you to experience negative moods. Sometimes, people will drink alcohol to medicate themselves when they are experiencing depressive symptoms. However, when you drink alcohol, it affects your brain chemistry so that your risk of depression increases. It is more common for people to hurt themselves or commit suicide when they have been drinking alcohol, so if you have a history of depressive symptoms, you must not drink alcohol.

Can You Die from Mixing Trazodone and Alcohol?

We don’t have a lot of research on death rates from mixing trazodone and alcohol. We do know that if you drink large amounts of trazodone and alcohol, you are very likely to die from the combination. When you take a high dose of trazodone, you can experience problems with your heart rhythm and central nervous system depression. Also, you can experience serotonin syndrome as was mentioned above. You may even experience alcohol poisoning that can cause extreme central nervous system depression. This can lead to difficulties with breathing.

Each substance has a potential risk of causing death by overdose, so if you are going to mix trazodone and alcohol, you must be aware of each substance’s risk of overdose.

Taking Trazodone for Alcohol Withdrawal

When people are going through alcohol withdrawal, they can experience insomnia. Physicians often prescribe trazodone for insomnia, but this is done while you are in a medical detoxification program at a drug treatment center. You will have 24-hour supervision, so the treatment center’s staff will take very good care of you, and you will not be in any danger while you are there.

The Need for Treatment for Trazodone and Alcohol Abuse

If you have been mixing trazodone and alcohol for several years, it is likely that you are dependent on these two substances. Because you are dependent, you cannot stop ingesting trazodone and alcohol without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Fortunately, when you enter a substance use treatment center, you will enter the medical detox program. In this program, the medical staff will administer medications that will ease your withdrawal symptoms so that you can tolerate the withdrawal process as comfortably as possible.

What Is the Treatment?

If you are struggling with trazodone and alcohol abuse, there is treatment for this condition. If your physician prescribed trazodone for you to treat depression or insomnia, an alcohol use disorder can cause your mental health to suffer. At Long Island Interventions, we can help you conquer your addiction to alcohol and also treat you for your misuse of trazodone.

Alcohol Withdrawal

The first part of your treatment for trazodone and alcohol use is the “detoxification program.” You will experience physical alcohol withdrawal and behavioral alcohol withdrawal, and we will treat you for both. This is a highly dangerous time for you because alcohol withdrawal can cause death, so it is very important that you enter our detoxification program so that we can ensure that you tolerate the process in the best manner possible.

Behavioral alcohol withdrawal has several symptoms, including anxiety, hallucinations, confusion, irritability, restlessness and agitation. As your body realizes that it isn’t receiving any alcohol, it makes it so that you cannot focus, and you begin to experience anxiety. Behavioral withdrawal makes it impossible for you to go to work or school or take care of your family.

You would also experience physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and they are particularly disturbing. Seizures can cause you to experience delirium tremens. The symptoms include fever, severe tremors, irregular heartbeat, sweating, hallucinations, rapid heart rate and confusion. You may also be very shaky and have gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting.

Dual Diagnosis

The detoxification process is just the beginning of the treatment for a trazodone and alcohol use disorder. After you are finished in the detoxification program, you will need to treat the psychological addiction to substances that can make it as difficult to refrain from using your substance of choice as your physical symptoms do.

In addition to your substance use disorder, it is very possible that you have a mental health disorder as well. In the United States, 7.7 million adults have mental health and substance use disorders that are both active simultaneously. If you have a mental health disorder, this complicates matters for you because you may be indulging in substance use to self-medicate your mental health disorder. At Long Island Interventions, we can diagnose your mental health disorder and treat both disorders simultaneously.

Conclusion

An inpatient treatment program is the best option if you have been experiencing a long-term addiction or believe you have a co-occurring mental health disorder. This is even more important for you if you have been diagnosed with depression and have difficulties with a substance use disorder. As mentioned above, these two disorders do not mix, so contact us at Long Island Interventions if you are ready to learn more and get help today.

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Published on: 2022-08-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

Meloxicam, which also goes by the brand names Vivlodex and Mobic, is a relatively safe drug, but there are some side effects and risks that you should be aware of while taking it. Especially when the drug is taken with alcoholic drinks, which is a dangerous combination.

What Is Meloxicam?

Meloxicam is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that doctors prescribe for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Meloxicam alleviates pain and reduces stiffness and swelling in the joints. A meloxicam painkiller can come in either pill or liquid form, and people generally take it once per day.

To Whom Do Doctors Usually Prescribe Meloxicam?

Doctors prescribe meloxicam to treat patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and, less commonly, ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. As such, a lot of people who take meloxicam are older, but doctors may also prescribe it to children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Doctors generally prescribe meloxicam for a period of about 10 days, and it can take up to six months for the drug to kick in fully.

Side Effects and Interactions

Like many prescription drugs, meloxicam has some potential side effects, which can range from mild to severe, and can have negative interactions with certain substances.

Mild Side Effects

The mild side effects of meloxicam are generally not serious and will usually clear up on their own, but you should consult your doctor if they are severe or last a long time. The common side effects of meloxicam are:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Itching or rashes

Severe Side Effects

Though uncommon, there are some serious side effects you need to watch out for. You should immediately quit taking meloxicam and notify your doctor if you experience:

• Hives
• Blisters
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Swelling of your face, eyes, tongue, lips or throat
• Extreme fatigue
• Any signs of stomach or GI bleeding (gastrointestinal), such as black tarry stools and
• Bleeding from your mouth
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice) which may indicate liver damage
• Difficulty urinating, painful urination or discolored urine
• Back pain
• Vomiting blood or material that resembles coffee grounds

This is not an exhaustive list, and you should talk to your doctor for a complete list of possible side effects. The bottom line is, if you feel any untoward symptoms after taking meloxicam, stop taking the drug and talk to your doctor right away. Some of these symptoms are life-threatening and should be taken seriously.

Interactions

There are a few things that will negatively interact with meloxicam. When your doctor prescribes meloxicam to you, they are most likely to give you a medical advice and what you need to avoid, in order to prevent any untoward reactions. People with chronic kidney disease should avoid meloxicam as well. Here are other contraindications to meloxicam.

Coffee

Coffee contains tannins, which are a type of plant compound that have the ability to easily bind with minerals and proteins. These tannins can bind to meloxicam and hinder your body’s ability to absorb it. This usually only occurs if you drink coffee within two hours of taking meloxicam, however, so if you really like coffee, you may not have to cut it out of your diet entirely.

Meloxicam and Alcohol

NSAIDs carry a risk of stomach bleeding, and consuming alcohol increases this risk, which may lead to stomach ulcers. This is why you should refrain from drinking entirely while taking meloxicam. Because people generally only take meloxicam for a short time, abstaining from alcohol shouldn’t be too difficult.

Furthermore, there is an increased risk of heart attack or heart failure when alcohol consumption continues while on meloxicam. It may be challenging for people who have alcohol addiction to stop drinking while on meloxicam, that’s why a doctor’s consultation is a must. The doctor may prescribe other NSAID medication like naproxen and celecoxib.

What To Do if You’re Struggling To Quit Drinking

If 10 days seems like a long time to give up alcohol, it’s possible that you’re suffering from alcoholism. In addition to having adverse interactions with many drugs, alcohol wreaks havoc on your body. If you think you might have a problem with alcohol, you need to get a good understanding of what alcoholism is, what the signs are and how you can treat it.

What Is Alcoholism?

Alcoholism is a chronic disease characterized by the physical and emotional addiction to drinking alcohol. Alcoholism is a medical condition that can be treated effectively, but it is a hard journey. That’s why there are treatment centers like Long Island Interventions to help you or a loved one overcome alcohol addiction.

Alcoholism is a very common disease. The Washington Post reported that one in every eight Americans is an alcoholic, and there are as many as 107 million alcoholics globally. Additionally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the harmful use of alcohol causes an estimated 3 million deaths every year.

Signs of Alcoholism

There are a lot of signs of alcoholism. Some of the signs are physical while others are behavioral.

Physical Signs of Alcoholism

• Spending a lot of time feeling sick or recovering from heavy drinking
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop or reduce your drinking, such as irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, sweating and tremors, especially in the hands
• Needing to drink larger quantities of alcohol to achieve the same effect
• Memory loss or blackouts from drinking too much

In the most severe cases of alcoholism, it can be dangerous or even fatal to abruptly quit drinking. Delirium tremens, the most severe type of alcohol withdrawal, usually manifests within two to five days after your last drink.

Symptoms of delirium tremens include confusion, fever, high blood pressure, shaking and hallucinations. Sedatives can sometimes prevent delirium tremens, so in these cases, detoxification should take place in a medical facility.

Behavioral Signs of Alcoholism

There are several behavioral indicators of alcoholism. If you find yourself hiding your drinking from others, drinking by yourself, getting angry or irritated when others observe or criticize your drinking or continuing to drink despite negative impacts on your health and relationships, it’s likely you’re suffering from alcoholism.

What Is Considered Heavy Drinking?

Everybody is different, and even people who drink every day may not be alcoholics. As a general rule, however, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as:

• Four or more drinks in a day or 14 or more drinks in a week for men
• Three or more drinks in a day or seven or more drinks in a week for women

Other Risks Associated With Heavy Drinking

Alcohol use is also associated with some serious health problems. People who drink excessively over long periods of time run the risk of developing chronic health problems, such as liver disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, stroke, heart disease and certain types of cancer.

In addition to health risks, people who drink heavily are more likely to engage in risky behaviors while drinking, such as unsafe sex and driving under the influence, both of which can have severe consequences.

Steps To Take If You Think You Have a Problem

Every case presents its own unique challenges, but the road to recovery is pretty uniform.

1. Ask the Question

If you’re wondering whether your drinking is a problem, there’s a decent chance that it is. Fortunately, if you’re asking yourself the question, you’ve already started to address your problem. It may sound like a cliché, but admitting to yourself that you have a problem really is the first step toward getting better.

2. Ask for Help

Addiction to alcohol is intense, and most people who try to beat it by themselves are unsuccessful. Luckily, there are caring professionals who have dedicated their lives and careers to helping people who are in the throes of addiction.

3. Stick With It

Recovering from alcoholism is difficult, and most people slip up at least once. In fact, the NIAAA estimates that 90% of recovering alcoholics relapse in their first year of sobriety. If you slip up, try not to get discouraged; a single slip doesn’t have to turn into a full-blown failure, so just dust yourself off and keep at it.

Long Island Interventions

If you live in the Long Island area and are ready to start treating your addiction, Long Island Interventions can help. It will be difficult, but waiting will only make it harder. You deserve to live your best life, so call Long Island Interventions today.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-08-31
Updated on: 2024-12-31

Flagyl is a strong antibiotic that is also known as metronidazole. You may have recently been prescribed this medication to treat conditions like a sexually transmitted infection or bacterial infections in the abdomen, skin, heart lining, bones, joints or other areas of the body. When a physician prescribes this medication, he or she generally will strongly caution against consuming alcohol while taking Flagyl. In addition, the prescription bottle may have a special warning label that delivers similar instructions. Consuming a combination of metronidazole and alcohol can have uncomfortable and even serious side effects.

Flagyl and Alcohol

If you are like many other people, you have taken antibiotics many times previously in your life to fight various types of infections and illnesses. While you were on these other antibiotics, you may have been able to consume an alcoholic beverage from time to time without an issue. This is because many types of antibiotics do not have strong interactions with a moderate amount of alcohol. Unfortunately, this is not the case with Flagyl and alcohol.

Antibiotics work in different ways in the body, and alcohol consumption can interact with the metabolism of some antibiotics. Alcohol breaks down in the human body through a two-step process. First, the alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde. This is a toxic compound that can create a variety of undesired effects in the body. Toxic acetaldehyde is then broken down into acetate through aldehyde dehydrogenase, a special enzyme produced in the body. This important step prevents toxic acetaldehyde from accumulating in large quantities in the blood.

Flagyl, however, prevents the production of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme. Because this enzyme is not produced by the body when you are taking Flagyl, toxicity in the blood builds up. This is the cause of the many uncomfortable and dangerous side effects that you may experience if you consume alcohol while Flagyl is in your system. With a closer look at these side effects, it will be clear why you should not mix these substances.

Side Effects of Mixing Flagyl and Alcohol

Individuals who seek medical treatment for alcoholism may be prescribed disulfiram. This medication produces a variety of health effects that ultimately reduce the positive feelings that come from alcohol consumption. To do so, disulfiram creates a variety of unpleasant effects in the body that deter the individual from future alcohol consumption. Disulfiram blocks the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme’s production in the same way Flagyl does. Because of this taking Flagyl with alcohol will cause a disulfiram-like reaction with a wide variety of mild to moderate symptoms.

It is important to note that the disulfiram-like reaction does not occur in all individuals. However, it can be severe in others. In fact, a 31-year-old woman died from a Flagyl and alcohol reaction in 1996. Some of the moderate symptoms that you could experience by consuming metronidazole with alcohol include facial flushing, a rapid heartbeat, nausea and vomiting, a headache, and low blood pressure. More serious side effects can include numbness or tingling in appendages, difficulty walking, a skin reaction, or seizures.

Some patients with skin infections or sexually transmitted infections may be prescribed Flagyl in a topical form. The medication is available as a lotion, a cream, and a gel. Because it is unclear if topical versions of the medication can cause disulfiram-like side effects, patients should avoid consuming alcohol while using any Flagyl. If you have questions about the potential for interaction, you should ask your pharmacist or physician.

Some people wonder if it is safe to have only a drink or two while taking metronidazole. Many studies have been conducted over the years on both oral and topical uses of Flagyl to determine if there is a safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed. Unfortunately, Flagyl appears to affect people in different ways, and there is a risk of unpleasant or even serious effects when mixing any amount of alcohol with this medication. Because of this, alcohol use with Flagyl is contradicted in all forms and amounts.

In addition, some people may be more likely to experience adverse effects from mixing Flagyl and alcohol. For example, those who are 65 years old or older may feel more of the effects of alcohol use. Women biologically carry less water in the body, so they may accumulate a higher blood alcohol volume faster than men do. In addition, individuals with liver disorders may not be able to metabolize the alcohol as quickly or as well. All of these individuals may be more disposed to experience stronger side effects.

How Long Should You Wait Before Drinking Again?

After your infection clears with Flagyl treatment, you understandably may be ready to resume your normal lifestyle. You should continue taking the full course of the antibiotic even after you feel better. This can prevent the infection from returning. Even after you stop taking the antibiotic, however, you are still not clear to drink alcohol. This is because metronidazole may remain in your bloodstream for up to three days after the last dose. This is how long the body takes to fully metabolize and clear the antibiotic from your system. During this period of time, the antibiotic will continue to disrupt the production of the aldehyde dehydrogenase enzyme. As a result, blood toxicity can increase if you consume alcohol too soon after finishing a round of Flagyl. If you have been prescribed topical Flagyl, you should wait at least 24 hours before drinking alcohol again.

Keep in mind that some people may need to wait longer. For example, if you have liver disease, your body may not clear Flagyl from your system full within three days. Other medications, such as Tagamet, can also impact how quickly the antibiotic may be fully removed from the bloodstream. If you have liver disease or if you take other medications, you should consult with your physician before you drink alcohol again.

Taking the Next Step

For many types of infections, Flagyl treatment will last for seven to 10 days. In the case of joint infections, bone infections and some other issues, the treatment may need to be continued for a longer period of time. While some people may not find it difficult to avoid alcohol consumption while being treated with metronidazole, the treatment time can seem unbearable for others.

Alcohol abuse impacts millions of people in the United States alone. In fact, almost 141,000 Americans die from alcohol-related effects annually, and many others seek medical treatment for related effects. There are many signs that may indicate alcohol abuse or addiction. One of these signs is the inability to control alcohol consumption. This includes, but is not limited to, managing consumption when presented with possible complications or issues. Another sign is experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop drinking alcohol. Such symptoms may range from uncontrollable shaking and nausea to anxiety, a fast heart rate, insomnia, sweating and more. If you are struggling to complete a round of Flagyl treatment because of these symptoms or you feel compelled to have a drink despite knowing the risks, you may benefit from seeking alcohol abuse treatment.

Do You Have an Issue with Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse and addiction can impact many aspects of your life. In addition to preventing you from safely completing the antibiotic treatment that you need, it can be detrimental to your career, your personal relationships, your health, and more. At Long Island Interventions, we understand how challenging it can be to seek assistance for addiction, and we are here to help. The first step is to contact Long Island Interventions for a consultation. At that time, we can answer your questions about the treatment process and create a treatment plan that is tailored to fit your situation and needs. To explore your treatment options, reach out to us today.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-08-31
Updated on: 2024-06-21

If you fancy yourself a numbers person, the following statistics might be of some interest to you. A 2016 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that more than 270 million Americans were taking antibiotics to resolve a medical condition. Another study, published in 2019 by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), found that roughly 85% of Americans ages 18 and older say they have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime. At first glance, these two things seemingly have nothing to do with one another. But that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Despite warnings from physicians and drug manufacturers, many people combine alcohol with prescription-based medications, one of which is levofloxacin. To say this combination could spell disaster would be a gross understatement.

What Is Levofloxacin?

For those unfamiliar with levofloxacin, it is the generic for Levaquin. It also belongs to a class of drugs known as fluoroquinolone antibiotics. And because it can quickly stop bacterial growths, physicians will sometimes prescribe it to combat the following:

• Bronchitis
• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Pneumonia
• Skin infections

Along with these infections, physicians will sometimes prescribe levofloxacin to individuals that have been exposed to anthrax or certain types of plague, a life-threatening disease caused by bacteria. As good as levofloxacin is at destroying bacterial infections and providing individuals with relief from symptoms brought on by those infections, there are a few potential downsides to taking it.

Levofloxacin Side Effects: What to Know Before Getting Started on This Particular Antibiotic Regimen

Levofloxacin, even when taken as prescribed, can trigger many side effects, much like Cipro, Avelox, Factive, Baxdela, and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics can. According to drugs.com, an online pharmaceutical encyclopedia that provides drug information for consumers and healthcare professionals alike, the most commonly reported side effects linked to levofloxacin include the following:

• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Low blood sugar levels
• Nausea
• Profuse sweating
• Tachycardia

In rare cases, levofloxacin can trigger numbness, weakness, tingling, and a burning sensation in one’s hands, arms, legs, or feet. As with any drug, taking levofloxacin while consuming alcohol can worsen these side effects and may even lead to the development of some that you would have probably never had to deal with in the first place.

Levofloxacin and Alcohol: Why the Two Should Never Go Hand-In-Hand

If you’re among the 270 million Americans who enjoy a refreshing alcoholic beverage from time to time, it would be in your best interest to avoid consuming them while taking levofloxacin or its brand counterpart, Levaquin. And this is not a baseless recommendation; studies show that combining the two can have devastating health consequences. One of those studies comes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which found that consuming alcohol while taking this particular antibiotic can significantly worsen or increase the likelihood of experiencing stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and flushing. And the risk of experiencing these side effects remains pretty high for up to three days after an individual has consumed their final dose of levofloxacin. Since we are on the topic, it is worth noting that the combination of levofloxacin and alcohol can potentially cause severe liver damage. The same NIH study revealed that consuming alcohol while taking levofloxacin forces the liver to work harder. When alcohol and levofloxacin are in someone’s system, the liver must metabolize both. Meanwhile, it still has to distribute levofloxacin throughout the body to help rid it of infection.

What Should You Do if You Have an Alcohol Problem and Have to Take Levofloxacin?

People who binge drink or have a full-on alcohol use disorder (AUD) can get sick and develop infections like everyone else. Some might argue that a drinking problem might even make them more susceptible to experiencing such health problems. Like everyone else, there invariably comes a time when they have to start taking medication. Many medications will require abstaining from alcohol, which is not something that comes easy for those with a chronic drinking problem. Available data shows that around 15 million Americans are struggling with an alcohol use disorder, and more than 66 million have a problem with binge drinking. Fortunately, many of these people have chosen to make their health a top priority, and as such, they are turning to rehab facilities across the nation to get the help they need to quit alcohol for good. That said, if you have to be on medication and have a problem with alcohol, consider this a clarion call to do the same.

How Rehab Facilities Are Helping Individuals Overcome Alcohol Addiction

If you have an alcohol problem coupled with a health problem, you will undoubtedly be in good hands at any of the more than 14,500 rehab facilities in the United States. And there are several reasons why this is the case. Firstly, the vast majority offer medication-assisted detox to help ease many of the difficult withdrawal symptoms that come about when individuals abruptly stop drinking. Some of the more notable symptoms include the following:

• Anxiety and depression
• Chronic fatigue
• Irritability and mood swings
• Hallucinations
• Nightmares
• Confusion
• Profuse sweating
• Headaches
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Arrhythmia
• Tremors

Rehab facilities that offer medication-assisted detox will generally provide round-the-clock monitoring by a licensed physician or nurse. And these medical professionals often prescribe FDA-approved drugs to help individuals cope with these symptoms, which can be both mentally and physically taxing. Some of these FDA-approved drugs include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. In addition to these medications, the physicians and nurses at these facilities will even prescribe medications that can help improve an individual’s overall health, including those that help clear up infections, such as levofloxacin. Another benefit of going to rehab to get help overcoming alcohol addiction is most offer counseling sessions with a licensed therapist. The benefits of these sessions are many insofar as they teach individuals to value themselves, which leads to them taking more pride in their appearance and making a concerted effort to look after their health. But it does not end there. These counseling sessions, which can be in the form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), or motivational interviewing (MI), also teach individuals how to cope with temptation and cravings that can sometimes trigger a relapse.

Final Thoughts on Combining Alcohol With Medication

When someone has a problem with alcohol, many things that would otherwise be important to them get forgotten about or put on the backburner. And taking medication as directed by their physician is but one of many. Fortunately, there is hope for those ready to regain control over every facet of their life, especially their health. In the interim, if they are on levofloxacin or any other medication, they should avoid combining them with alcohol. When they’re ready to get sober, it would be in their best interest to choose a rehab facility that offers medication-assisted detox and counseling sessions with a licensed therapist. Those that offer these two things can significantly improve an individual’s chances of achieving short and long-term sobriety.

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Published on: 2022-07-04
Updated on: 2024-06-21

People take Lexapro to relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. This medication can be very helpful on its own. However, when mixed with alcohol, Lexapro can quickly become dangerous. You don’t want anyone in your life to inadvertently hurt themselves. Therefore, if you believe that a loved one is at risk of consuming alcohol while taking Lexapro, then you should take a look at this overview of how the two substances interact.

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is the brand name of escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that doctors commonly prescribe as an antidepressant. An SSRI essentially works by allowing certain parts of the brain to absorb more serotonin, which is an important natural hormone that positively affects a person’s mood. On its own, Lexapro isn’t very harmful. Doctors consider the drug non-habit-forming, and the side effects are fairly mild.

Dangers of Lexapro Misuse

Unlike benzodiazepines, pain medications, and other prescription drugs, SSRIs do not give the user any sort of high when taken in large quantities. Thus, most people do not intentionally ingest more than the prescribed dose. However, if someone takes too much Lexapro at once for some reason, then they may experience nausea, constipation, confusion, heart palpitations, or serotonin syndrome. Long-term misuse can result in kidney damage, liver damage, and exacerbated symptoms of depression.

Effects of Mixing Lexapro and Alcohol

Taking Lexapro with alcohol may worsen some of the more debilitating effects of alcohol intoxication. Many people who take Lexapro with alcohol report drowsiness, poor coordination, erratic mood, and other problematic symptoms. On top of that, alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and counteract the effects of an antidepressant. Therefore, someone who takes an SSRI but regularly drinks may not see their symptoms of depression improve. While most people who take Lexapro can have an occasional beer or glass of wine, patients should always discuss the matter with their doctor before consuming any alcohol.

Signs of Alcohol Addiction

Lexapro isn’t addictive, and excessive consumption of the drug won’t make a person high. Patients don’t really have any incentive to intentionally misuse Lexapro. Because of this, mixing Lexapro and alcohol is a bigger indication of an alcohol problem than anything else. People tend to take antidepressants with alcohol simply because drinking is a part of their daily routine. Therefore, it’s more important to look for signs of alcohol dependence if you suspect that someone in your life is taking their prescribed antidepressant with alcohol. Slurred speech, confusion, erratic mood, poor coordination, and other effects of intoxication are the most conspicuous signs of an alcohol problem.

However, many of the other symptoms of alcohol addiction may not be so obvious. When someone regularly consumes alcohol, their body becomes dependent on it. Consequently, they will begin to experience early withdrawal symptoms after several hours without a drink. Common withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, irritability, shaking, headache, sweating, and muscle weakness.

Dangers of Alcohol Detoxification

Many people try to quit alcohol without outside help. However, overcoming alcohol addiction presents some unique challenges compared to other addictive substances. In contrast to other drugs, alcohol detoxification can be deadly. If a person manages to make it past the early signs of withdrawal, then they may begin to experience hallucinations, extreme confusion, and even deadly seizures. The worst symptoms usually occur between 48 and 72 hours after the last drink. After that, symptoms slowly become more manageable as the body adjusts to sobriety.

Treatments for Pill Abuse and Alcoholism

Although Lexapro presents very little risk of misuse, some patients who take Lexapro also take other prescription medications that could be addictive. Combined with alcohol dependence, misuse of prescription drugs is a recipe for disaster. Overcoming alcohol addiction is already very difficult and dangerous without professional treatment.

This is exacerbated by the fact that people rely on Lexapro and similar medications to function properly, so they cannot simply stop taking them. Thus, it’s extremely important for patients who take prescription medications while struggling with alcohol addiction to receive professional help at a reputable treatment facility. The addiction specialists at a high-quality facility have the necessary skills, tools, and infrastructure to help your loved one achieve sobriety. Below are some of the most common treatment programs for individuals suffering from addiction.

Detox

Without proper medical supervision, patients have a significant risk of encountering severe complications during alcohol detox. At a high-quality detox facility, medical staff and addiction specialists will constantly monitor patients and make the detoxification process as safe and comfortable as possible. Medical professionals will be right there if the patient experiences seizures or requires medical aid. After a week or two, the patient will have overcome the most dangerous stages of detoxification, and they’ll be able to enroll in less intensive addiction treatment programs.

Inpatient Treatment

An inpatient program allows patients to stay at a facility for several weeks or months while they receive the highest standard of care. Patients will regularly undergo individual therapies, group therapies, and holistic therapies during their stay. Inpatient programs remove patients from the stresses of daily life and separate them from potential triggers or bad influences. In turn, the patient will be more likely to succeed as they make it through this major step in the treatment process.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Some patients shift to an intensive outpatient program after receiving inpatient treatment. Other patients immediately go to an intensive outpatient program after they’ve undergone detoxification. An intensive outpatient program provides a similar level of care as an inpatient program. Patients will spend over 10 hours per week receiving various therapies at the addiction treatment facility.

However, patients don’t stay at a treatment facility in an outpatient program. Because of this, an intensive outpatient program is a great way for patients to receive a high level of care without missing work and other important obligations. Any type of outpatient program will only be successful if the patient lives in an environment that facilitates sobriety. Therefore, patients who live with or around triggers or bad influences should consider enrolling in an inpatient program while they find better accommodations.

Regular Outpatient Programs

In a standard outpatient program, addiction specialists will assess the patient’s needs, and the patient will accordingly receive a tailored combination of group therapies, individual therapies, and other therapies. Generally, patients will receive treatment between one and three times per week in a regular outpatient program. During this phase of the treatment continuum, patients will work closely with addiction professionals to come up with plans and contingencies to maintain long-term sobriety as they settle into regular life.

Why a Treatment Center Is the Best Choice

Some people have been fortunate enough to achieve sobriety on their own. However, professional treatment is a much better option for those who have access to it. A reputable treatment center will keep patients safe and greatly increase their odds of success while removing them from harmful triggers during their recovery. The following list details some of the most important benefits of professional addiction treatment.

Patients Can Build the Necessary Skills To Thrive

Addiction specialists understand the ins and outs of substance dependence. They’ve spent years dedicating their lives to learning about how to treat addiction, and they continue to update their skills and methods with the most recent scientific advancements in mind. Thus, when a patient works with certified addiction specialists, they can leverage this knowledge and develop the most effective coping mechanisms to face the challenges involved in maintaining long-term sobriety.

Regular Care

Withdrawal symptoms can be extremely difficult to endure without professional help. Because of this, many individuals who struggle with addiction are unable to get through the worst stages of the detox process. A treatment center gives patients access to addiction specialists and medical personnel and prevents them from accessing alcohol when symptoms become unpleasant. Thus, patients will be more likely to make it through detoxification and move forward in their journey to overcome their addiction.

Peer Support

Many individuals who struggle with addiction feel extremely isolated. Society demonizes people with substance abuse problems, which can seriously damage their self-worth and sabotage their efforts to achieve sobriety. At an addiction treatment center, patients meet people who struggle with similar challenges. Thus, they won’t feel so alone in their quest to become sober, and they’ll receive valuable support from their peers as they attempt to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Receive Effective Treatment at Long Island Interventions

Mixing Lexapro and other medications with alcohol can have serious repercussions. By enrolling in the right treatment program, your loved ones will overcome their alcohol addiction so that they can take their medications without the risk of negative drug interactions. You want your loved one to enjoy a happier, healthier life, so contact Long Island Interventions today to find the right solution for their unique situation.

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Published on: 2022-05-30
Updated on: 2024-06-27