Taken the wrong way, many prescription medications can be dangerous—even lethal. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you only take the exact dose at the right time.
But there’s more to medications than what you glance over on the label. You already know not to mix painkillers with alcohol, but what else do you know about mixing medications?
Plenty of prescription medications cannot be taken with over-the-counter drugs for serious safety reasons.
Here are just a few medications you should never, ever mix:
When taking: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Antidepressants), such as Nardil and Parnate
Never take: Any decongestants that contain pseudoephedrine
Why: When combined, these medications can quickly raise blood pressure to a life-threatening level
When taking: Prescription painkillers that contain acetaminophen, like Vicodin and Tylox
Never take: Anything else containing acetaminophen, like the common OTC pain relievers Tylenol and Panadol
Why: Doubling the amount of acetaminophen could present serious side effects, including liver damage
When taking: Antianxiety drugs, sedatives, or muscle relaxants (like Xanax and Ativan)
Never take: Antihistamines, like Benadryl or Claritin
Why: Antihistamines found in anti-allergy medications can make you feel overly tired and sluggish
When taking: Any kind of diabetes medication, such as chlorpropamide
Never take: Aspirin to relieve minor aches and pains
Why: Aspirin can combat the diabetes medication, making it less effective; some people even experience serious light-headedness
When taking: Any type of antibiotics
Never take: Antacids to relieve heartburn or indigestion
Why: The ingredients in most antacids can bind to the antibiotics, which prevents the body from properly absorbing the antibiotic
When taking: Sedatives or tranquilizers, such as Valium and Xanax
Never take: Cough syrups containing the ingredients dextromethorphan or antihistamines
Why: This combination greatly increases the drowsy effects of the sedative
When taking: Blood thinners, such as Coumadin
Never take: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
Why: When mixed with blood thinner, common pain relievers, like aspirin, will intensify the blood thinning effects, which can lead to internal bleeding
What do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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