Does alcohol worsen restless leg syndrome symptoms. How does alcohol consumption impact sleep quality in RLS patients. What are the most effective treatments for managing restless leg syndrome. Can treating varicose veins help alleviate RLS symptoms. What underlying conditions are associated with restless leg syndrome.

The Link Between Alcohol and Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of Americans, with women being more susceptible than men. While the exact cause of RLS remains elusive, researchers have identified various factors that may contribute to or exacerbate its symptoms. One such factor that has drawn attention is alcohol consumption.

Does alcohol directly cause RLS? While no definitive link has been established, evidence suggests that alcohol may worsen the uncomfortable sensations associated with this condition. These symptoms include:

• Pins-and-needles sensations
• Itching
• Discomfort in the legs

For individuals struggling with RLS, these symptoms can significantly impair sleep quality and overall well-being.

Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome: Causes and Risk Factors

What causes restless leg syndrome? The exact etiology of RLS remains unclear, but several factors have been associated with its development:

• Genetic predisposition
• Iron deficiency
• Dopamine imbalance in the brain
• Chronic conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney disease
• Certain medications, including antihistamines and antidepressants

How does dopamine relate to RLS? Dopamine plays a crucial role in controlling muscle activity. A deficiency in this neurotransmitter can lead to dysfunction in the basal ganglia, the brain region responsible for movement. This connection explains why Parkinson’s disease, characterized by abnormal dopamine levels, often coincides with severe RLS.

The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep Quality and RLS Symptoms

While alcohol may initially induce drowsiness, its effects on sleep quality are detrimental, particularly for those with RLS. How does alcohol affect sleep patterns?

• Disrupts rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
• Reduces overall sleep quality
• Leads to grogginess and fatigue upon waking

For RLS sufferers, alcohol consumption can compound existing sleep difficulties. The temporary relief of falling asleep faster is quickly overshadowed by disrupted, non-restorative sleep. This interference with deep, healthful sleep can exacerbate RLS symptoms and further impair the body’s ability to restore and repair itself during rest.

Medical Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome

What are the most effective treatments for managing RLS symptoms? Medical professionals recommend a multifaceted approach:

1. Addressing underlying conditions (e.g., iron deficiency, diabetes)
2. Prescription medications to manage symptoms
3. Lifestyle modifications
4. Treatment of associated vascular issues

One intriguing avenue of treatment focuses on the connection between RLS and varicose veins. Can treating varicose veins help alleviate RLS symptoms?

The Varicose Vein-RLS Connection

Research has suggested a potential link between varicose veins and RLS:

• A 1995 study found that a significant proportion of RLS patients reported symptom relief after undergoing sclerotherapy for varicose veins
• A 2007 study concluded that RLS and chronic vein disease often overlap, indicating a direct correlation between the two conditions

These findings highlight the importance of considering vascular health when addressing RLS symptoms. Individuals experiencing RLS may benefit from consulting with a vein specialist to explore potential treatment options.

Lifestyle Modifications for Managing RLS Symptoms

In addition to medical treatments, what lifestyle changes can help manage RLS symptoms?

• Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
• Engaging in regular exercise
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Avoiding caffeine and nicotine, especially in the evening
• Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption

By implementing these changes, individuals with RLS may experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

The Role of Iron and Dopamine in RLS Management

How do iron and dopamine levels impact RLS symptoms? Both of these factors play crucial roles in the development and management of RLS:

Iron Deficiency and RLS

Iron is essential for the production of dopamine in the brain. Low iron levels can lead to decreased dopamine function, potentially exacerbating RLS symptoms. What steps can be taken to address iron deficiency in RLS patients?

• Iron supplementation under medical supervision
• Dietary changes to increase iron intake
• Regular monitoring of iron levels through blood tests

Dopamine Regulation in RLS Treatment

Given the role of dopamine in RLS, many treatments focus on regulating this neurotransmitter. What medications are commonly used to address dopamine imbalances in RLS patients?

• Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
• Levodopa
• Gabapentin and other anticonvulsants

It’s important to note that these medications should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects and may not be suitable for all patients.

The Importance of Sleep Hygiene in Managing RLS

For individuals with RLS, maintaining good sleep hygiene is crucial for managing symptoms and improving overall quality of life. What are some key aspects of sleep hygiene that can benefit RLS sufferers?

• Creating a calm and comfortable sleep environment
• Establishing a consistent bedtime routine
• Avoiding electronic devices before bed
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Ensuring the bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool

By prioritizing these sleep hygiene practices, individuals with RLS may experience fewer disruptions to their sleep patterns and better manage their symptoms.

Alternative Therapies for RLS Symptom Relief

While medical treatments are often necessary for managing RLS, many patients find relief through alternative therapies. What complementary approaches have shown promise in alleviating RLS symptoms?

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Yoga and stretching exercises
• Hot and cold therapy
• Aromatherapy

These alternative therapies may be used in conjunction with conventional treatments to provide a more comprehensive approach to RLS management. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating any new therapies into your treatment plan.

The Role of Exercise in RLS Management

Regular physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits for individuals with RLS. How does exercise impact RLS symptoms?

• Improves circulation
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Promotes better sleep quality
• May help regulate dopamine levels

What types of exercises are most beneficial for RLS sufferers? Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are often recommended. Additionally, specific leg exercises and stretches can help alleviate symptoms when they occur.

The Psychological Impact of RLS and Coping Strategies

Living with RLS can take a significant toll on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. What psychological challenges do RLS sufferers often face?

• Anxiety about sleep disruptions
• Depression related to chronic symptoms
• Frustration and irritability
• Decreased quality of life

How can individuals with RLS cope with these psychological challenges? Developing effective coping strategies is crucial for managing the emotional impact of RLS:

• Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
• Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
• Engaging in cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of RLS, patients can work towards a more comprehensive management plan and improved quality of life.

The Future of RLS Research and Treatment

As our understanding of RLS continues to evolve, what areas of research show promise for future treatments? Several exciting avenues are being explored:

• Genetic studies to identify potential hereditary factors
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques to better understand brain function in RLS
• Development of new medications with fewer side effects
• Exploration of non-invasive neuromodulation therapies

These ongoing research efforts offer hope for more effective and personalized treatments for RLS in the future. As we continue to unravel the complexities of this condition, individuals with RLS can look forward to potentially groundbreaking advancements in symptom management and quality of life improvements.

The Importance of Individualized Treatment Plans

Given the varied nature of RLS and its potential causes, why is an individualized approach to treatment crucial? Each person’s experience with RLS is unique, and what works for one individual may not be effective for another. A comprehensive, personalized treatment plan should consider:

• The severity and frequency of symptoms
• Underlying health conditions
• Potential triggers, including alcohol consumption
• Response to various treatments
• Lifestyle factors and personal preferences

By working closely with healthcare providers and specialists, individuals with RLS can develop a tailored approach to managing their symptoms and improving their overall quality of life.

Raising Awareness and Seeking Support for RLS

Despite its prevalence, RLS remains a misunderstood condition. How can we increase awareness and support for those affected by RLS?

• Education initiatives for healthcare providers and the general public
• Advocacy for increased research funding
• Creation of support networks for RLS sufferers
• Promotion of RLS screening in primary care settings

By fostering greater understanding and support for RLS, we can help reduce the stigma associated with the condition and improve access to effective treatments and resources.

The Role of Patient Empowerment in RLS Management

How can individuals with RLS take an active role in managing their condition? Empowering patients to be advocates for their own health is crucial in the effective management of RLS. This can involve:

• Keeping detailed symptom diaries
• Researching and staying informed about the latest RLS treatments
• Actively participating in treatment decisions with healthcare providers
• Joining support groups or online communities for shared experiences and advice

By taking an active role in their care, individuals with RLS can work towards better symptom control and improved quality of life.

Does Alcohol Exacerbate Restless Leg Syndrome?

August 19, 2020
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Restless leg syndrome has many causes. Could alcohol be one of them?

Could alcohol cause restless leg syndrome? Although no definitive link between drinking before bedtime and RLS has been determined, alcohol may nevertheless exacerbate the pins-and-needles sensation, itching, and other uncomfortable symptoms of RLS — all of which make getting a restful night’s sleep almost impossible.

Up to 10 percent of Americans experience RLS at least several times a week, with the condition affecting women more often than men. The condition usually appears during middle age. RLS treatments reduce the symptoms, with therapies ranging from prescribed medications to self-care remedies. Treating RLS also relies on knowing the triggers that may cause the syndrome — one of which could be alcohol consumption for some people.

How Alcohol Affects Sleep… And Possibly RLS

Medical researchers have yet to find an exact cause for RLS. In fact, the syndrome has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney disease, as well as certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants. The condition tends to run in families, so there could be a genetic connection, as well.

A lack of iron and an imbalance in the level of dopamine in the brain are often cited as an RLS cause. Dopamine, in particular, plays an important role in controlling muscle activity, so a deficiency of that chemical can cause a breakdown in the functions of the basal ganglia, the area of the brain responsible for movement. This is why Parkinson’s disease, a disorder of the basal ganglia attributed to abnormal dopamine levels, often accompanies severe RLS.

Treatment Advice for RLS Sufferers

Treating those underlying conditions may help alleviate RLS symptoms. However, since RLS typically becomes more pronounced at night when you’re trying to sleep, what you do before bed could have a negative effect on your sleep patterns. And one of the triggers that worsens RLS might be alcohol.

Restful sleep depends on getting enough rapid eye movement (REM) rest. Alcohol interrupts this type of deep, healthful sleep, leaving you feeling groggy and tired when you wake up. Although alcohol may make you fall asleep quicker, that effect is soon offset by the disruption of the restorative sleep you need to boost your immune system and restore muscles, bones, and tissues.

Accordingly, if you already have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because of RLS, alcohol will not help you overcome the distressing symptoms that are sometimes temporarily relieved by waking up and moving your legs. With RLS, you want to get as much quality, restful sleep as possible, and alcohol cannot do that for you.

Medical Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome

Rather, you should pursue other medical treatments for RLS. One of those could be treating your varicose veins. Many of the symptoms of varicose veins — itching, pain, throbbing — mirror those of RLS, which can also cause you to twist and turn at night. One study done in 1995 found a near majority of patients complaining of RLS reported relief after sclerotherapy, a common, minimally invasive surgery for varicose veins. Likewise, a 2007 study concluded that RLS and chronic vein disease were, in many instances, overlapping conditions, meaning RLS had a direct correlation with varicose veins.

If you suffer from RLS, your doctor can test you for iron deficiency, diabetes, kidney disease, and other possible causes mentioned previously. Dealing with those disorders with medication or other therapeutics may be the answer to sleepless nights. However, when those conditions aren’t present and you have varicose veins, you should make an appointment with a vein specialist to discuss your treatment options that could cure your RLS.

Is it Time to See a Vein Specialist?

Whether or not you’re experiencing RLS, it’s always a good idea to visit a vein specialist. The Center for Vein Restoration focuses solely on vascular health. Even if your varicose veins aren’t visible, you may still feel the effects that could interrupt sleep. Contact us today for an appointment to learn more.

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Can Alcohol Cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is an uncomfortable and poorly understood disease. Alcohol use and abuse will probably make the symptoms worse.

Currently, there is no clear link between alcohol abuse and restless leg syndrome (RLS). If a person has RLS or experiences symptoms of RLS when they drink alcohol, they should consider ceasing alcohol use to help alleviate any uncomfortable side effects and avoid worsened RLS symptoms.

Article at a Glance:

Important takeaways about alcohol and RLS include:

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disease of the nervous system. It includes strong urges to move the legs, especially at night.

Alcohol probably does not cause RLS, but it can make the symptoms worse.

Alcohol withdrawal can mimic many of the symptoms of RLS.

Control the symptoms of RLS with a healthy diet, exercise and good sleep.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless leg syndrome, commonly shortened to RLS, is a disease of the peripheral nerves. The main symptom is an unpleasant tugging or pulling feeling in the legs accompanied with an overwhelming urge to move the legs.

Someone with RLS usually feels the urge to get up and walk, often at inconvenient times. Because the symptoms of RLS usually happen at night, it can interfere with normal sleep patterns.

With the frustration and discomfort of RLS, it may be tempting for some people to have an alcoholic drink to help get to sleep. However, this might make symptoms worse.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

The primary symptom of RLS is the urge to move the legs. Other symptoms that a person may notice are:

• Urges to move the legs usually begin at night or when one is already in bed
• Urges get worse when sitting still for a long time
• The urges get better and are relieved by getting up and walking around
• Twitching or kicking of the legs during sleep

Can Alcohol Worsen Restless Leg Syndrome?

Alcohol use probably worsens RLS, but more research is necessary to say with certainty. Restlessness and twitching are certainly symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, too. Even though no one currently knows for sure if alcohol causes RLS, drinking alcohol can either worsen or mimic RLS symptoms.

Alcohol use and RLS are interrelated in several ways, including through alcohol withdrawal, how alcohol affects sleep and how alcohol use at night can worsen RLS symptoms.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal has a wide range of unpleasant effects on the body. After detox, the body tries to correct some of the changes that happened with chronic alcohol consumption. During withdrawal, a person can experience neuropathy (painful tingling in the legs and arms) that may imitate RLS or make it worse.

People who are going through alcohol withdrawal usually have a harder time sleeping because common symptoms include nightmares and sweating, both of which make it difficult to sleep.

Alcohol’s Impact on Sleep

Drinking alcohol disrupts rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. An important type of rest, REM sleep is the deep restorative sleep that people need to function normally during the day. When someone abuses alcohol, they usually get poor sleep and can feel tired all the time. A lack of restorative sleep can make RLS symptoms feel more intolerable and annoying, especially when RLS symptoms flare up at night and when a person is trying to sleep.

Drinking Alcohol at Night

Some people drink alcohol before going to bed, thinking a drink or two will help them sleep. However, alcohol use harms healthy sleep, in most cases and for most people. While alcohol may help a person fall asleep initially, alcohol decreases the quality of sleep and makes a person feel more tired. Drinking alcohol at night not only disrupts sleep quality but may worsen RLS symptoms, too. When a person’s sleep is disrupted, their RLS symptoms may be affected also.

How to Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms

For most people, RLS is uncomfortable, annoying and sometimes unbearable. Some tips to help a person deal with RLS symptoms include:

• Avoid alcohol, especially around bedtime
• Avoid caffeine
• Exercise every day
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Massage the legs regularly
• Review medications with a prescriber or doctor

If you or someone you know needs treatment for alcohol abuse or addiction, The Recovery Village can help. Alcohol rehab treatment may also help control symptoms of RLS and make it more manageable. The Recovery Village has facilities located across the country and offers comprehensive treatment programming tailored to each client’s unique needs. To take the first step toward recovery, call The Recovery Village today.

Editor – Camille Renzoni

Cami Renzoni is a creative writer and editor for The Recovery Village. As an advocate for behavioral health, Cami is certified in mental health first aid and encourages people who face substance use disorders to ask for the help they deserve. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP

Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more

Mackie, Susan E., et al.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

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Effects of alcohol on the body. Is it possible to combine drugs with alcohol? Medications that do not contain alcohol.

There are not so many purposeful scientific works on the study of the joint use of alcohol and drugs. However, our compatriots, far from science, are constantly investigating this issue. As a rule, empirically … And the results convincingly show that alcohol on the background of drugs can cause a wide variety of, to put it mildly, unpleasant effects. But for some reason, everyone believes that this is the lot of either complete alcoholics, or hysterical persons with suicidal tendencies, to which no one personally considers himself.

Once, after a traditional glass of whiskey and soda before going to bed, one American mistakenly took a pill of metronidazole , which, at the direction of a gynecologist, was taken by his wife instead of sleeping pills. Pretty soon the man felt bad: he blushed, a painful feeling of nausea appeared, and a general malaise developed. A clear picture of poisoning.

This is one of the classic examples of alcohol-drug interactions. And there are many such examples. In some cases, the effect of alcohol is perverted, in others, the effect of drugs is enhanced or weakened, in the third, human reactions change. The result is always the same – treatment is difficult.

All alcoholic drinks contain ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, to which we owe the feeling of intoxication.

Anyone who has ever drunk an alcoholic drink experienced the strength and duration of this action. In the body, alcohol as a foreign substance undergoes transformation ( biotransformation ) with the participation of biologically active substances that are catalysts for most chemical reactions ( enzymes ). First, alcohol dehydrogenase comes into play, which oxidizes alcohol to an aldehyde. This process is rather slow. If you slow down the oxidation of alcohol, then the resistance to alcohol decreases. This action has, in particular, analgesic metamizole sodium ( Analgin ). At the second stage, under the action of aldehyde dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde is converted into acetic acid, which is actively used by the body in metabolism. The faster this transformation occurs, the less we experience the harmful effects of aldehyde and, consequently, alcohol.

Let’s remember our unlucky American, whom we talked about at the beginning of the chapter. Metronidazole, which he mistakenly took instead of sleeping pills, distorts the effect of alcohol, because it slows down the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid. It is acetaldehyde that poisons the body, accumulating in the blood. One of the methods of treating alcoholism is based on such a mechanism. The patient is given a drug containing disulfiram ( Lidevin , Esperal and others) or cyanamide . These substances block the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, and the biotransformation of ethanol stops at the stage of formation of acetaldehyde, which causes poisoning of the body: flushing of the face, nausea, vomiting, lowering blood pressure, and more. As a result, a glass of vodka turns into a glass of poison. A persistent aversion to the taste and smell of alcoholic beverages is formed. Metronidazole turned out to be too weak as an anti-alcohol agent and is not used for this purpose. In medicine, its antibacterial properties are used. But even a small dose of alcohol taken during treatment with metronidazole can cause severe poisoning. The same symptoms as when taking metronidazole (headache, reddening of the skin, nausea or vomiting, dizziness) are caused by the simultaneous use of alcohol and cephalosporin antibiotics , chloramphenicol , griseofulvin , sulfanilamide preparations .

The unusual properties of cyanamide were first discovered in a nitrogen fertilizer plant where the compound was synthesized and used. The administration of the plant noticed that the workers of this workshop not only did not drink, but did not even take a drop of alcohol into their mouths. And the doctor who observed these workers noticed that those who tried to drink had a sharp rush of blood to the face, profuse sweat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and nausea. If the dose was a little more, there were pains in the heart and a feeling of impending death. With these symptoms, you no longer want to drink. So the anti-alcohol properties of cyanamide were discovered.

The result of the interaction of alcohol with clonidine is known (for example, drugs Clonidine , Gemiton and others). A person not only falls into a deep sleep, but subsequently does not remember anything that happened to him (this property of the drug is sometimes used for criminal purposes by adding clonidine to alcoholic beverages). Unfortunately, the mechanism of such interaction is still not entirely clear. Obviously, there is a summation of the effects of alcohol and clonidine on the central nervous system.

Alcohol tends to enhance the effect of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants , which are used in the treatment of vascular diseases (aspirin, dicoumarin, syncumar, phenylin and others). As a result, profuse internal bleeding may occur. If such a hemorrhage occurs in the brain (that is, a stroke develops), one can expect paralysis of the limbs, impaired speech, as well as vital functions (respiration, cardiovascular activity) up to death.

Another example could be given. Caffeine has a psychoactive effect. It is also called the “bouncer”, as coffee is served to cheer up an overstayed guest. At first, this is exactly what happens, a person, as it were, sobers up. But after a while, the intoxication returns, and to an even greater extent than before the coffee was drunk. The fact is that caffeine enhances the penetration of alcohol from the blood into the brain through the blood-brain barrier , because of this, intoxication also increases.

Alcohols are good solvents for fats – components of cell membranes , which, as we already know, serve as barriers to the penetration of any substances into the cell. Alcohol, as it were, makes holes in these barriers. This is especially dangerous for brain cells.

The combined use of alcohol and harmless doses of hypnotics (especially those based on barbituric acid derivatives) may cause life-threatening depression of the respiratory center.

The combined use of alcohol with another group of psychotropic drugs can also become dangerous , with antidepressants . And not with all, but with those that inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which destroys norepinephrine and epinephrine . If you take alcohol along with such drugs, which additionally stimulates the release of adrenaline, then the result may be a pronounced increase in heart rate, vasospasm with a significant increase in blood pressure. Some beers and wines contain tyramine, which has a structure and action similar to adrenaline. Under normal conditions, it is destroyed already in the intestines, but when taking drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase, tyramine is absorbed into the bloodstream and can also cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Alcohol causes changes in blood glucose levels, first rising and then falling. This is doubly dangerous for diabetics. First, a sharp drop in blood glucose can lead to loss of consciousness. Secondly, sulfanilamide hypoglycemic drugs prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, which causes the accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde in the blood.

Drinking alcohol, like a stressful situation, leads to activation of the adrenal glands and additional production of adrenaline and other hormones ( 900 40 cortisone , aldosterone ). With regular alcohol intake, the body, as it were, lives in conditions of constant stress, this, of course, changes its reactivity in relation to drugs. The hypnotic effect of barbiturates decreases, but their toxicity increases. Therapeutic doses of hormonal drugs can cause an overdose effect. Application becomes unsafe ephedrine , naphazoline , xylometazoline and others adrenergic drugs in the treatment of the common cold, since alcohol increases the sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline. For the same reason (and also due to potassium deficiency), the use of cardiac glycosides while drinking alcohol can cause heart rhythm disturbance. The action of nitroglycerin , diuretics is distorted.

Combination of alcohol with reserpine , methyldopa , hydralazine , guanethidine , with peripheral vasodilators or with ganglion blockers 90 013 can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure.

Chronic alcohol consumption activates enzymes that break down alcohol in the liver. This increases the activity of other enzymes that carry out the transformation of drugs in the body and accelerate their decay. This applies primarily to sleeping pills, painkillers, antidiabetic drugs, but this series could be continued. It is known that people who constantly consume alcoholic beverages become immune to the action of anesthetics and painkillers. This greatly complicates the implementation of anesthesia during operations and reduces the effectiveness of anesthesia during dental and other medical procedures.

Regular intake of alcoholic beverages increases the toxic effect of paracetamol on the liver. Apparently, this occurs due to an increase in the content and a decrease in the rate of release of toxic intermediate metabolic products ( metabolites ) of paracetamol. Therefore, paracetamol should not be prescribed to patients suffering from alcoholism.

Such cases are known, for example. One person drank 100 g of vodka after taking a headache pill. Soon his body temperature jumped to 39°C, and blisters appeared on the skin and mucous membranes. There were signs of intolerance. In another case, a healthy man washed down multivitamins with vodka. Bleeding inflammation of the skin and inflammation of the kidneys developed. In the third case, the patient drank vodka after taking a sulfa drug, which led to the development of skin inflammation and jaundice.

Table 2.10.1 shows some drug-alcohol combinations and immediate health prospects for the person who decides to experiment.

Table 2.10.1. Effects arising from the simultaneous use of drugs and alcohol

9 0021

guess. Therefore, it is better not to mix drugs and alcohol in your body, so as not to replenish the above series of sad examples.

However, you can object: some dosage forms (alcohol solution, tincture and others) contain ethyl alcohol! Indeed, tinctures are prepared by infusion (hence the name of the dosage form) of plant materials in 70% alcohol or by dissolving various extracts in it. Ethanol is also used to prepare liquid extracts (as an extractant). The juices of medicinal plants are stabilized by adding 15 parts of 9 to 85 volume parts of the juice.5% ethyl alcohol to denature the enzymes contained in the juice and prevent its long-term storage. Alcohol may also contain some potions and medicinal syrups. But in all cases, the features of the technology for preparing the dosage form do not reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Moreover, when using, for example, water rather than alcohol as a solvent, the properties of such drugs change, or their preparation will become completely impossible, since there are compounds that are insoluble in water. Information about the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition of the drug must be contained in the package insert or indicated on the packaging of the medicinal product, and should be taken into account by patients who have undergone or are currently receiving anti-alcohol treatment. Such patients, as well as people with severe liver disease, should consult a doctor before using drugs containing ethanol.

Preparations containing ethanol can reduce the reaction rate, which should be taken into account by people whose activities require increased concentration of attention or good coordination of movements (high altitude workers, train drivers, vehicle drivers and others ) .

Literature

1. Anichkov S.V., Belenky M.L. Textbook of pharmacology. – MEDGIZ Leningrad association, 1955.
2. Yu.B. Belousov, V.S. Moiseev, V.K. Lepakhin. Clinical pharmacology and pharmacotherapy: A guide for physicians. – M.: Universum, 1993. – 398 p.
3. Karkishchenko N.N. Pharmacological foundations of therapy: A guide and reference book for physicians and students. – M.: IMP-Medicine, 1996. – 560 p.
4. Basic and clinical pharmacology / Ed. Bertram G. Katzung; Per. from English. ed. doc. honey. sciences, prof. E.E. Zvartau: In 2 volumes. – M. – St. Petersburg: Binom – Nevsky dialect, 1998. – T. 1, 2.
5. Krylov Yu.F., Bobyrev V.M. Pharmacology. – M.: VUNMTs of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 1999. – 352 p.
6. Kudrin A.N., Ponomarev V.D., Makarov V.A. Rational use of drugs: a series of “Medicine”. – M.: Knowledge, 1977.
7. Modern medical encyclopedia. / Ed. R. Berkow, M. Beers, R Bojin, E. Fletcher. Per. from English. under the general editorship. G.B. Fedoseev. – St. Petersburg: Norint, 2001 – 1264 p.: ill.
8. Kharkevich D.A. Pharmacology: Textbook. – 6th ed., revised. and additional – M.: GEOTAR MEDICINE, 1999. – 664 p.
9. RED BOOK and Drug Topics. – 106th ed. – Thomson Medical Economics, 2000. – 840 p.
10. Materials of the site www.AIF.ru.

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Is it possible to combine drugs with alcohol. Our body and the effects of alcohol.

Once the head of an American family, after a traditional glass of whiskey and soda before going to bed, mistakenly took a pill instead of sleeping pills metronidazole , which, at the direction of the gynecologist, was taken by his wife. Pretty soon, the poor businessman felt unwell: he turned red, had an excruciating feeling of nausea, and a general malaise developed. A clear picture of poisoning.

This is one of the classic examples of alcohol-drug interactions. And there are many such examples. In some cases, the effect of alcohol is perverted, in others, the effect of drugs is enhanced or weakened, in the third, human reactions change. The result is always the same – treatment is difficult.

All alcoholic drinks contain ethyl alcohol, or ethanol, to which we owe the feeling of intoxication. The fact is that alcohols have an anesthetic effect, which manifests itself in relation to any cells and any organisms. The strength and duration of this action was experienced by everyone who at least once drank an alcoholic drink. In the body, alcohol as a foreign substance undergoes transformation ( biotransformation ) with the participation of biologically active substances that are catalysts for most chemical processes ( enzymes ). First, alcohol dehydrogenase comes into play, which oxidizes alcohol to an aldehyde. This process is rather slow. If you slow down the oxidation of alcohol, then the resistance to alcohol decreases. In particular, the analgesic metamizole sodium ( Analgin ) has such an effect. At the second stage, under the action of aldehyde dehydrogenase, acetaldehyde is converted into acetic acid, which is actively used by the body in metabolism. The faster this transformation occurs, the less we experience the harmful effects of aldehyde and, consequently, alcohol.

Let’s remember our unlucky American, whom we talked about at the beginning of the chapter. Metronidazole, which he mistakenly took instead of sleeping pills, distorts the effect of alcohol, because it slows down the conversion of acetaldehyde to acetic acid. It is acetaldehyde that poisons the body, accumulating in the blood. One of the methods of treating alcoholism is based on such a mechanism. The patient is given a drug containing disulfiram ( Teturam , Esperal and others) or cyanamide . These substances block the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, and the biotransformation of ethanol stops at the stage of formation of acetaldehyde, which causes poisoning of the body. As a result, a glass of vodka turns into a glass of poison. Metronidazole turned out to be too weak as an anti-alcohol agent and is not used for this purpose. In medicine, its antibacterial properties are used. But even a small dose of alcohol taken during treatment with metronidazole can cause severe poisoning. The same symptoms as when taking metronidazole (headache, reddening of the skin, nausea or vomiting, dizziness) can be caused by the simultaneous use of alcohol and cephalosporin antibiotics , chloramphenicol , griseofulvin , sulfa drugs .

The unusual properties of cyanamide were first discovered in a nitrogen fertilizer plant where the compound was synthesized and used. The administration of the plant noticed that the workers of this workshop not only did not drink, but did not even take a drop of alcohol into their mouths. And the doctor who observed these workers noticed that those who tried to drink had a sharp rush of blood to the face, profuse sweat, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and nausea. If the dose was a little more, there were pains in the heart and a feeling of impending death. With these symptoms, you no longer want to drink. So the anti-alcohol properties of cyanamide were discovered.

An unusual interaction of alcohol with clonidine is known (for example, drugs Clonidine , Gemiton and others). A person not only falls into a deep sleep, but later does not remember anything that happened to him. Therefore, clonidine is sometimes used “for other purposes”, adding to the glass of the person they want to rob. Unfortunately, the mechanism of such interaction is still not entirely clear. Obviously, there is a summation of the effects of alcohol and clonidine.

Another example could be given. Caffeine has a psychoactive effect. It is also called the “bouncer”, as coffee is served to cheer up the overstayed guest and encourage him to leave. At first, this is exactly what happens, a person, as it were, sobers up. But after a while, the intoxication returns, and to an even greater extent than before they drank coffee. The fact is that caffeine enhances the penetration of alcohol into the brain from the blood through the blood-brain barrier , because of this, intoxication also intensifies.

Alcohols are good solvents for fat components of cell membranes , which, as we already know, serve as barriers to the penetration of any substances into the cell. Alcohol, as it were, makes holes in these barriers. This is especially dangerous for brain cells. With the combined use of alcohol and harmless doses of hypnotics (especially those based on barbituric acid derivatives), life-threatening depression of the respiratory center can occur. It can also be dangerous to share alcohol with another group psychotropic drugs , with antidepressants . And not with all, but with those that inhibit the enzyme (monoamine oxidase) that destroys adrenaline . If you take alcohol along with such drugs, which stimulates additional release of adrenaline, the result can be a dangerous increase in heart rate, vasospasm with an increase in blood pressure. Some beers and wines contain tyramine, which has a structure and action similar to adrenaline. Under normal conditions, it is destroyed already in the intestines, but when taking drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase, tyramine is absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Alcohol also causes changes in blood sugar levels, first rising and then falling. This is doubly dangerous for diabetics. First, a sharp drop in blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness. Secondly, sulfa drugs prescribed to diabetics inhibit aldehyde dehydrogenase, which causes the accumulation of toxic acetaldehyde in the blood.

Drinking alcohol, as well as a stressful situation, leads to the activation of the adrenal glands and additional production of hormones ( cortisone , aldosterone and others). With regular alcohol intake, the body, as it were, lives in conditions of constant stress, this, of course, changes its reactivity in relation to drugs. The hypnotic effect of barbiturates decreases, but their toxicity increases. Therapeutic doses of hormonal drugs can cause an overdose effect. The use of ephedrine , naphazoline , xylometazoline 9039 becomes unsafe8 and others adrenergic drugs in the treatment of the common cold, since alcohol increases the sensitivity of the heart to adrenaline. For the same reason (and also due to potassium deficiency), the use of cardiac glycosides while drinking alcohol can cause heart rhythm disturbance. The action of nitroglycerin , diuretics, is distorted.

Combination of alcohol with reserpine , methyldopa , hydralazine , guanethidine , with drugs that dilate peripheral vessels, or with ganglionic blockers can cause a dangerous decrease in blood pressure.

Chronic alcohol consumption activates enzymes that break down alcohol in the liver. This increases the activity of other enzymes that carry out the transformation of drugs in the body and accelerate their decay. This applies, first of all, to sleeping pills, painkillers, antidiabetic drugs, but this series could be continued. It is known that people who constantly consume alcoholic beverages become less susceptible to the action of anesthetics and painkillers.

Regular intake of alcoholic beverages increases the paracetamol toxic effect on the liver. Apparently, this occurs due to an increase in the content and a decrease in the rate of release of toxic intermediate metabolic products ( metabolites ) of paracetamol. Therefore, paracetamol should not be prescribed to patients suffering from alcoholism.

Alcohol can speed up the absorption of drugs from the digestive tract, producing higher concentrations of the drug in the body than when taken normally. This leads to an overdose. For example, such cases are known. One person drank 100 g of vodka after taking a headache pill. Soon his body temperature jumped to 39 ^o C, and blisters appeared on the skin and mucous membranes. There were signs of an overdose. In another case, a healthy man washed down multivitamins with vodka. Bleeding inflammation of the skin and inflammation of the kidneys developed. In the third case, the patient drank vodka after taking a sulfa drug, which led to the development of skin inflammation and jaundice.