A study shows that nearly 1 in 5 users of OTC drugs has misused painkillers. This appalling statistic highlights the current problem that the US is facing when it comes to prescription abuse. Transcend Recovery Community looks closely at how substance combinations such as Ibuprofen and alcohol impact the body and how you can get recover from it.
Is It Safe to Take Ibuprofen with Alcohol?
Although taking Ibuprofen in the right amount is generally safe, you put yourself at great risk when you drink alcohol while under NSAID medications. People may experience severe side effects as alcohol use amplifies these.
As it is a known stomach irritant, you subject your GI system to more danger as you may experience worse pain and more complicated stomach issues longer term. Apart from health problems linked with renal and hepatic damage, your alcohol use paired with Ibuprofen may become a health hazard to you and the people around you.
It's best to finish your prescription course before attempting to drink alcohol. That way, it doesn't interfere with your medication and would not affect your treatment by any means.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a type of NSAID or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that lessens swelling by blocking an enzyme responsible for prostaglandin production (responsible for pain and swelling). It can also be used to relieve symptoms and aches caused by the common cold or flItsu.
It's common side effects include:
- Upset stomach
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
What Are the Risks of Drinking while on Ibuprofen?
Whether you're taking Fluconazole & alcohol or the combination of Ibuprofen and alcohol, there are many risk factors to consider that may put your health in grave danger. Here are some of the things you should watch out for if you mix Ibuprofen with alcohol.
- Gastrointestinal bleeding - Alcohol use in itself may cause digestive tract damage and internal bleeding. Drinking alcohol or mixing alcohol with Ibuprofen makes twice the damage with symptoms such as stomach pain, tar-like stools, and blood in your vomit.
- Slowed reaction times - Alcohol use causes you to have delayed alertness which may make you prone to accidents and injuries. Confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech are some of the common symptoms.
- Kidney damage/issues - Chronic alcohol consumption gives you an increased risk of poor kidney function and ultimately severe and irreparable kidney damage.
- Lower medication efficacy - As you mix Ibuprofen and alcohol, you are lessening the potency of Ibuprofen while worsening the side effects you may encounter when on medication.
Understanding the impact of mixing Ibuprofen with alcohol is important to lessen your risk and avoid any further health problems down the line. You should always consult with your physician for more details.
How to Correctly Manage Pain with Medication
Popping a pill for what ails you shouldn't always be the solution. Sometimes, taking Ibuprofen regularly may bring more harm than good. People may eventually develop tolerance or even dependence, especially when resorting to other medications or taking more than two drugs for pain relief.
Here are some ways to adequately address or manage your pain with NSAID or pain reliever medications.
- Always consult a healthcare professional on how to properly use medication.
- A patient should never be taking Ibuprofen and alcohol or many medications simultaneously without the advice of a medical professional
- You should always follow the instructions whenever you take prescription pills. You must also consider the following:
- interval on when to take the medicine.
- allergic reactions/contraindications before taking the medicine
Is There Ibuprofen Abuse?
Ibuprofen addiction or abuse happens when a person takes high doses of Ibuprofen than what is normally prescribed. It may also include mixing Ibuprofen with alcohol on top of preexisting substance abuse or mental health issue.
When someone taking Ibuprofen does so excessively, they are at a higher risk of becoming dependent on the medication. Although it is quite unheard of for prescription drugs or OTC medication to be abused, the truth is there are people out there who take part in this.
By doing so, you put yourself experiencing adverse side effects, especially when drinking alcohol while taking Ibuprofen. Part of an individual's addiction recovery is by partaking in a rehabilitation program.
Most of these programs would either feature inpatient or outpatient mental health and behavioral therapy depending on the needs and severity of a person's addiction case.
Can Transcend Recovery Help with Ibuprofen and Alcohol Abuse?
Although Transcend Recovery doesn't necessarily offer outpatient treatment services. It provides supplementary services such as sober living residences for people in rehabilitation from alcohol or chemical abuse.
Not all hope is lost. There is still a chance to live and experience long-term sobriety. Contact us today to find out how our team can help you find your way.
