Dangers of Mixing Sleep Medications and Alcohol

There are several different types of sleeping medications that can have different side effects and can affect the brain and body in various ways, particularly when mixed with alcohol. 

One type of sleep medication is prescription sleep medication, also known as Z-drugs. These are prescribed over the short term to treat sleeping issues such as insomnia. Some examples of this medication include Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon (Sonata), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta). 

It is very dangerous to mix alcohol with these prescription sleeping medications. Some side effects may include amnesia, confusion, impaired coordination, and dangerous levels of sedation. 

Benzodiazepines may be used to treat sleeping problems. It is particularly dangerous to mix this type of medication with alcohol. This is because it can lead to respiratory depression and overdose. 

Another type of medication that may be used is over-the-counter sleeping aids. One of the most common over-the-counter sleep aids is diphenhydramine. This is used in medications such as Benadryl, Zzzquil, and Tylenol PM. When mixing these medications with alcohol, it’s possible to experience slowed breathing, confusion, and dangerous levels of drowsiness. 

Melatonin is a supplement commonly used as a sleep aid. It is not considered safe to take melatonin with alcohol because it can cause impaired coordination, decrease alertness, and potentially lead to suppressed breathing. 

In certain cases, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to help treat sleep issues. This may include medications such as trazodone or amitriptyline. When mixing these medications with alcohol, it can lead to dangerous levels of sedation. 

To learn more about the dangers of mixing alcohol and sleeping medications, reach out to our team at Hawaii Island Recovery. 

Different sleep medications work in various ways. 

Z-drugs like Ambien or Sonata work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA. This helps to create a calming effect and reduce brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep. Benzodiazepines like Ativan or Valium also increase levels of GABA and help to relax the muscles and reduce anxiety. Over-the-counter sleep aids like diphenhydramine block a neurotransmitter called histamine, helping to quiet the brain and make it easier to sleep. 

Melatonin helps to regulate the body’s natural circadian rhythm. This helps the brain to know when it is time to go to sleep. 

People take sleep medications if they’re suffering from insomnia or other chronic sleep problems. 

This may be interfering with their ability to get good quality rest and function well the next day. They may also take sleep medications if they struggle with anxiety or overthinking that keeps them up at night and makes it difficult to sleep. Another reason that someone may take sleeping medications is chronic pain or other medical conditions, or if they have an irregular sleeping schedule. 

Yes, mixing alcohol with sleep medications can increase the risk of respiratory depression, and both of these substances affect the central nervous system. During respiratory depression, breathing may become slowed or may stop completely. 

Combining alcohol and sleep medication can greatly impair coordination. It can also delay reaction time and motor control. 

Mixing alcohol and sleep medication can greatly amplify the effects of both substances. This is because they can both affect the central nervous system and can cause impairment and sedation. 

Alcohol and sleep medications both act as depressants on the central nervous system. As a result, they can have an effect on everything from heart rate to memory, breathing, and movement. 

The combination of mixing alcohol and sleeping medication can be particularly dangerous for those with underlying health conditions like respiratory problems. This could include those with asthma or sleep apnea. The reason for the increased risk is that both alcohol and sleeping medication can lead to slowed breathing. 

Yes, different types of sleeping medication can lead to different effects when mixed with alcohol. For example, benzos can lead to dangerous levels of sedation when mixed with alcohol. 

In addition, Z-drugs can lead to severely impaired coordination and judgment. These medications can also lead to memory loss when mixed with alcohol. 

There are both short-term and long-term risks associated with mixing alcohol and sleep medication, especially if it is being done repeatedly. Some of the primary immediate risks of mixing alcohol and sleep medication may include:

Yes, because both alcohol and sleeping medication can impair your coordination and balance, mixing the two substances can increase your risk of injuries and falls. 

Even mixing just a moderate amount of alcohol with sleeping medications can quickly become deadly. The risk increases the more alcohol is consumed. 

Some long-term risks of mixing alcohol and sleep medication may include: 

Yes, over time, repetitive combining alcohol and sleeping medication can harm brain function. It can also impair memory and learning. This combination can also damage emotional regulation and increase the risk of mental health problems like anxiety and depression. 

Yes, especially when combining these medications over a long-term period of time, the risk of experiencing even more severe sleeping problems increases. 

This may include chronic insomnia, a lack of deep sleep, and even having to depend on medication to fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Yes, regularly combining alcohol and sleeping medication over time can lead to worsened mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. 

It can also lead to mood swings, emotional instability, a lack of motivation, increased irritability, poor impulse control, and even an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. 

Yes, over time, this combination can lead to liver and heart issues. 

Misusing alcohol on a regular basis on its own increases the risk of liver damage. When misusing it alongside sleeping medication, the risk is even greater. This includes fatty liver disease, liver inflammation, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. Heart issues that could occur as a result of mixing alcohol and sleeping medication may include high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, heart attack, cardiac arrest, and fainting. The risk of these issues increases over time, and the more alcohol that is consumed. 

While it’s not safe to drink alcohol while taking any kind of sleep medication, it is particularly dangerous to mix alcohol and benzodiazepines like Valium or Ativan. 

This is because it very quickly enhances the neurotransmitter GABA, in turn slowing down brain and nervous system activity. As a result, combining these two substances can lead to dangerous levels of sedation, extremely slowed breathing, and loss of consciousness. It can also lead to a sudden drop in heart rate. 

Benzodiazepines present a heightened risk of overdose when mixed with alcohol because they work very quickly and, like alcohol, they are also a depressant. 

When mixing these two substances, the effects of both are extremely amplified. This can lead to many dangerous side effects that can quickly trigger a medical emergency. This includes loss of consciousness, extreme sedation, breathing problems, and dangerously low oxygen levels. 

Mixing alcohol with over-the-counter sleeping medications like Zzzquil is very dangerous because both substances can lead to decreased nervous system and brain activity. Taking both of these substances together can increase the risk of respiratory distress, extreme sedation, falls, and other injuries, heart problems, and memory loss. 

There are some behavioral signs to be on the lookout for if you suspect that someone may be mixing sleeping medication with alcohol. Some of these potential signs include: 

If you suspect someone may be mixing alcohol with sleeping medication, there are some psychological signs to be on the lookout for. Some examples include: 

When someone is mixing alcohol and sleeping medications, they may experience some emotional changes. 

They may find themselves less able to regulate their emotions. They may also experience frequent mood swings. In many cases, they may find themselves increasingly irritable, numb, impatient, or anxious. They may struggle to express their feelings to others and may carry a lot of self-blame or guilt. 

If you suspect that a loved one is mixing alcohol and sleeping medication, it is important to reach out to them about it right away and not wait for their condition to worsen. 

It is important to be open and honest about your concerns regarding their behavior and what potential consequences they might face. You might feel nervous or even awkward about having this conversation. However, it could possibly be the reason that they decide to seek professional help. 

When talking to a loved one about mixing sleeping medication and alcohol, it is important to be direct, open, and honest. It is also important to make it clear that you are coming from a place of care and concern and not of judgment. Encourage them to seek professional help and assure them that you’ll be there to support them along the way. 

There are some people who may be especially vulnerable to dangerous interactions from mixing alcohol and sleeping medication. 

This includes those who struggle with health conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, chronic bronchitis, or COPD. It also includes those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts. 

Additional people who may face an increased risk of dangerous interactions from combining these two substances may include: 

Yes, genetics and family history can play a major role in a person’s likelihood of struggling with mixing alcohol and sleeping medication. If someone has a family history of substance misuse, they may face a higher risk of struggling with substance use themselves. 

There are some safer and more effective methods to help manage sleep problems without the use of medication. 

One example is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). This type of therapy involves working to determine what thoughts or behaviors may be triggering sleep issues. From there, the individual can then work on addressing and healing from these things. CBT-I may also help establish better routines, which can also improve sleep. 

Other methods that may help improve sleep include: 

There are additional lifestyle changes that you can incorporate to help remedy sleep problems. One of the best things you can do is to increase your exercise and activity level throughout the day. This includes keeping up with a regular fitness routine and making time for short walks throughout the day. 

It is also important to prioritize good nutrition. This includes making sure you’re eating foods that are high in magnesium because this can help promote relaxation and better quality sleep. Some examples of magnesium-rich foods include spinach and bananas. 

If you’re struggling to stop mixing alcohol and sleeping medication, it is important to reach out to your doctor or another medical professional right away. 

If you’re currently taking a benzodiazepine, it is important not to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Your doctor can help you to safely and gradually discontinue use of the medication. Regularly attending therapy and building a strong support system can play a very important role in recovery. 

At Hawaii Island Recovery, we utilize a whole-person approach to treatment that helps to support your mental, physical, and emotional needs. This involves a combination of evidence-based treatments like CBT, CBT-I. dialectical behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. 

Mixing alcohol with sleep medications is never safe and can lead to a variety of dangerous short and long-term health consequences. If you’re taking a sleeping medication and are struggling to stop drinking alcohol, there is help available. Reach out to our team at Hawaii Island Recovery today by calling (866) 390-5070.