Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are often seen as less dangerous than prescription medications, but they do need to be taken with care. Here’s a list of 5 such medications that shouldn’t be mixed.
It can be easy to underestimate the strength and side effects of medications you are taking, combining them with other OTC drugs, prescription medications or every day stimulants or depressants such as caffeine and alcohol. However, it’s crucial to read the labels before taking medications as mixing these with the certain things can cause them to be less effective or cause dangerous side effects.
How to Know What Not to Mix
As mentioned above, always read the labels before taking medications, whether they’re over-the-counter or prescription. If you have any concerns about what you’re taking or whether a medication is safe to take with your lifestyle, speak with a doctor before you begin. They can look into potential interactions and let you know what the risks are in advance so there are less chance of unwanted side-effects. And, if there are risks, your doctor may be able to recommend alternatives. Some of the OTC medications that should not be mixed with prescriptions or other things include the following:
#1 – Caffeine and Xanax
Caffeine is a substance that has an effect on the body, and though it’s possible to drink as much caffeine as you’d like, it’s crucial to be aware of what medications you’re consuming, too. If you take prescription Xanax, combining it with caffeine can cause insomnia or anxiety. If you are taking Xanax without a prescription and often mix it with caffeine, look into the Orange county drug rehabilitation center to get help today.
#2 – Acetaminophen and Alcohol
Acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, is used for aches, pains, and fevers. It is a commonly used medication for those who aren’t feeling well or are in pain, but it is crucial to avoid alcohol use while taking it. Taking acetaminophen while drinking can increase the potential for liver damage, which can be deadly.
#3 – Acetaminophen and Cold Medications
It is also recommended to avoid taking acetaminophen with multi-symptom cold medications. Cold medications often include acetaminophen, so it can lead to taking too much at one time and this can lead to liver damage. It’s best to read labels before taking medications to ensure you’re not taking too much of a particular ingredient to reduce the risk of taking too much in a short period of time.
#4 – NSAIDs and Antidepressants
NSAIDs that are taken while you’re using prescribed antidepressants can cause an increase in your risk for gastrointestinal bleeding. Though NSAIDs are commonly taken for controlling pain, if you are in any pain and you take antidepressants, talk to your doctor to see if taking NSAIDs is safe. They may recommend something that will not interact with the antidepressants and will still help you reduce pain.
#5 – Ibuprofen and Warfarin
Ibuprofen is typically taken for reducing inflammation and can work well, but it should not be used if you’re taking an anticoagulant like Warfarin. They both can cause blood thinning, which can increase the potential for bleeding risk if they’re taken together. If they do need to be taken together, it should only be done under medical supervision.
Final thoughts
It’s important to be careful with what you’re taking, whether it’s OTC or prescription, to avoid potentially severe complications. If you do need to take any OTC drugs, make sure you aren’t going to be taking something that may interact with medications you already take, caffeine, alcohol, and other common foods and drinks. By being careful, you can stay safe no matter what medications you might need to help you feel better.
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