A well-crafted cocktail or a smooth glass of wine is often your go-to mood for relaxation, celebration, or unwinding after a long day. But if you’re taking medication or are on , even with occasional drinking, it can have unintended consequences. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can lead to dangerous interactions, reduced drug effectiveness, or even life-threatening side effects. While most of us think one drink won't do much, the truth is that alcohol will change the way your body metabolizes medication, increase side effects, and jeopardize you severely. Before you ever take that sip, learn what medications are a bad idea with alcohol below.

Mixing alcohol with medication isn’t just a minor concern—it can have serious health consequences. While the effects vary depending on the drug, the person, and the amount of alcohol consumed, it’s always best to consult your doctor or pharmacist before drinking if you’re taking any medication.

If you do drink, do so responsibly by being aware of the risks, taking medical recommendations, and keeping an eye on how your body responds. Your safety and health must always be your priority—so before you take a sip of that cocktail, ensure that you are aware of what's in your medicine cabinet.

Why Alcohol and Medications Can Be a Risky Mix?

Alcohol is not merely another drink—it's a drug that influences several organs in the body, such as the liver, heart, and brain. Mixed with drugs, it may result in negative effects ranging from mere discomfort to life-threatening medical conditions. The hazards include:

• Decreased drug efficiency – Alcohol can inhibit the function of drugs, making them less effective.
• More side effects – Combining alcohol with drugs can make side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea worse.
• Liver damage – Because alcohol and most medications are metabolized by the liver, excessive stress can result in severe liver damage.
• Harmful interactions – Certain drug-alcohol interactions may result in life-threatening situations like uncontrollable bleeding, abnormally low blood pressure, or overdose.

To safeguard yourself, it's imperative to learn about the drugs most risky to combine with alcohol. Eight ordinary drug groups demand additional vigilance.

1. Antidepressants

If you’re one of the millions of people taking antidepressants, be cautious about drinking alcohol. Both alcohol and antidepressants depress the central nervous system, affecting alertness, coordination, and cognitive function. This can lead to excessive drowsiness, poor judgment, and increased risk of accidents.

Moreover, alcohol may exacerbate depression and anxiety symptoms, reducing the effectiveness of treatment. Individuals on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine and tranylcypromine must steer clear of alcohol completely because the mixture raises blood pressure to dangerous levels.

2. Cholesterol-Lowering Medications

Statins like Lipitor and Crestor are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels, but they are already putting a strain on the liver. When combined with alcohol—particularly in heavy drinkers—the risk of liver damage becomes much greater.

Even for moderate drinkers, daily drinking while taking statins can cause muscle aches, inflammation of the liver, and even organ damage. The impact is usually quiet, with the liver damage picked up only on routine blood tests.

3. Blood Pressure and Heart Medications

Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are widely used by many individuals to control hypertension, heart disease, or previous heart attacks. Alcohol affects these drugs in two ways: by making them less effective or by bringing down blood pressure too low. This causes people to become dizzy, faint, and more prone to accidents or falls.

If you’re on blood pressure medication, drinking alcohol should be done cautiously, if at all, to avoid dangerous drops in blood pressure.

4. Birth Control Pills

Although alcohol does not lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills, it does linger in the body longer in women who use oral contraceptives. That is, alcohol's effects—inhibited judgment, loosened inhibitions, and heightened intoxication—can be experienced more intensely and for a longer duration.

In addition, heavy drinking may result in skipped pills or lack of use of other protection, which raises the risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

5. Diabetes Drugs

Individuals with diabetes who take drugs like metformin or sulfonylureas must be particularly cautious with alcohol. Alcohol consumption can lead to blood sugar levels falling too low, resulting in dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.

Metformin, a widely used diabetes medication, carries another risk—it raises the risk of lactic acidosis, a potentially fatal condition in which lactic acid accumulates in the blood. To remain safe, diabetics need to eat and drink simultaneously and keep a close eye on their blood sugar.

6. Painkillers and Opioids

Combining alcohol with painkillers, particularly opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, can be deadly. Both alcohol and opioids depress the central nervous system, slowing heart rate and breathing to life-threatening levels. Mixing just a small amount of alcohol with opioids can boost the risk of overdose.

Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen and aspirin aren't safe either. Alcohol may exacerbate stomach irritation and cause gastrointestinal bleeding risk when combined with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

7. Gastroesophageal Reflux and Ulcer Medications

Medicines such as omeprazole and ranitidine can control acid reflux and ulcers, but their effects are cancelled by alcohol. Alcohol relaxes the muscles preventing stomach acid from flowing up and amplifies the symptoms of reflux, as well as heartburn.

In the case of medication users, drinking alcohol should be minimized since it may extend recovery time and also make one more uncomfortable.

8. Cough Syrups and Allergy Medications

Several over-the-counter allergy medicines and cough syrups already have alcohol in them. Adding additional alcohol to the equation can lead to extreme drowsiness, decreased motor function, and trouble concentrating.

Medications like diphenhydramine (in Benadryl) can also impair sedation. When added to alcohol, the risk of falling, accidents, and overdose greatly increases.

Ovarian cancer is still one of the most challenging gynecological cancers, often diagnosed at an advanced stage because of the elusive nature of its symptoms. Even with the progress of medical research, the mortality rate of late-stage ovarian cancer continues to be appallingly low, thus necessitating prevention and early detection of the disease. The health of women, especially reproductive health, largely determines the risk factors of ovarian cancer. From genetic susceptibility to lifestyle habits, a variety of factors affect vulnerability to the disease.

Amidst continuing research into preventive measures, an interesting discovery has been made—birth control pills, which have been used for decades for birth control and hormone regulation, may provide a remarkable protective benefit against ovarian cancer. A pioneering study indicates that women who use oral contraceptives over the age of 45 may lower their risk for developing ovarian cancer by a staggering 43%. This finding not only redefines the debate surrounding reproductive health but also highlights the larger significance of hormonal control in the prevention of disease. But how does birth control impact cancer risk, and what does this portend for women around the world? Here's what the new research shows.

Australian research published in the International Journal of Gynaecological Cancer indicates that these contraceptives could provide a further, life-saving advantage: a major decrease in the risk of ovarian cancer. The research examined data from 221,732 women between the ages of 37 and 73, looking at almost 3,000 varied characteristics concerning health, use of medication, diet, lifestyle, metabolic and hormonal conditions. During a follow-up duration of almost 13 years, 1,441 of the women were found to have ovarian cancer. The results indicated that women who ever used birth control pills had 26% decreased risk of having ovarian cancer. Even more surprisingly, those taking oral contraceptives after age 45 had a 43% decrease in risk.

Why Ovarian Cancer Remains a Major Concern?

Ovarian cancer is among the most lethal types of gynecologic cancer and is usually diagnosed at a late stage. About 70% of ovarian cancer is diagnosed only after the disease has advanced considerably. If diagnosed at a late stage, the five-year survival rate is less than 30%. Early detection raises the survival rate to more than 90%.

Given that ovarian cancer produces no overt signs, prevention and risk-reduction are the way to go. The results from the study propose that birth control pills could represent a valuable safety measure that changes the course for preventing ovarian cancer in the years to come.

How Do Birth Control Pills Reduce Ovarian Cancer Risk?

Oral contraceptives include artificial forms of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that control ovulation. Studies indicate that decreasing the frequency of ovulation is a major factor in decreasing the risk of ovarian cancer. Women who ovulate fewer times over the course of their lives are exposed to lower doses of hormones that can lead to cancerous cell development.

Research shows that the use of birth control pills for five or more years could reduce ovarian cancer risk by as much as 50%. Amazingly, the protective effects can continue for as long as 25 years after the pill has been discontinued. In fact, some research suggests that oral contraceptives might also offer protection for women who carry BRCA genetic mutations, which already place them at high risk for ovarian cancer.

Other Cancer-Related Effects of Birth Control Pills

Although the study points to oral contraceptives' advantages of lowering the risk of ovarian cancer, scientists have also investigated how they affect other cancers.

Lower Risk of Endometrial Cancer

Women who use oral contraceptives can also lower their risk of uterine cancer. The research mentioned that at least four years of birth control pills can cut the risk of uterine cancer in half, and this benefit can extend up to 10 years after stopping.

Slightly Elevated Risk of Breast and Cervical Cancer

On the other hand, some studies have indicated that long-term use of oral contraceptives increases the risk of breast and cervical cancer slightly. Again, this risk is minimal and loses its elevation after five years of discontinuing the pill. Moreover, since the majority of women use birth control pills during their 20s, 30s, and early 40s—years when they have a low baseline risk for cancer—the overall effect is tiny.

Other Important Factors Determining Cancer Risk

Oral contraceptives can be involved in lowering ovarian and endometrial cancer risk, but they are not the sole determining factors. A number of lifestyle and genetic factors also determine cancer risk.

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is more associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections than with birth control pills. Thus, being vaccinated against HPV and receiving regular screenings continue to be important in reducing cervical cancer risk.

Lifestyle and Genetic

Other cancer risk factors are obesity, reproductive history, and family genetics. Keeping fit, being aware of hormonal fluctuations, and frequently visiting healthcare providers for individualized risk evaluations can have a considerable influence on cancer prevention.

For women who wish to make responsible choices regarding their reproductive lives, it is important to discuss with their healthcare providers the advantages and disadvantages of oral contraceptives. As scientific knowledge continues to improve, birth control pills can not only be a contraceptive but a potent cancer prevention tool.

Just as people have different behavior and body language, people also have their unique sleeping habits. Whether you are a tummy sleeper or a back sleeper, your sleeping positions matter to your overall health. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, as you get older and start experiencing more health issues, the way you sleep will also become a considerable factor. Some ways your sleeping position may affect you are back and neck pain, sometimes sleeping while facing up can cause you to wake up with low back pain and soreness. Your sleeping position may also cause obstructive sleep apnea to flare up and collapse.

Side sleeping is a sleeping position where one sleep on either the right side or the left side of their body. According to the Sleep Foundation, it is actually a great position for people who suffer with sleep apnea as it allows easier breathing and keeps your airways open. Also, it's good for your spine because it helps keep it in a straight line, which can prevent back pain. Plus, if you have acid reflux, sleeping on your side can help keep stomach acid from coming back up into your throat. But, there's a downside too, the Sleep foundation explains that you might start to feel pain in your shoulder because you're putting all your weight on one side for hours at a time, which can get uncomfortable.

Is Side Sleeping Causing You Shoulder Pain?

In a 2024 study published in Arthroscopy Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, researchers explored the connection between how people sleep and if they have torn rotator cuff muscles in their shoulders. According to American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) a torn rotator cuff is when one or more tendons in the shoulder's rotator cuff group are torn, causing them to detach from the bone, leading to pain and limited arm mobility.

Researchers looked at 58 patients who had significant rotator cuff tears, either partial or full, confirmed by imaging tests. These were people whose shoulder pain came on slowly or from everyday wear and tear, not from a sudden injury. The researchers asked them about their preferred sleeping position: side, back, or stomach.

The study found that 52 of the 58 patients slept on their sides. Only 4 slept on their stomachs, 1 on their back, and 1 used all positions. Statistical analysis showed a strong link between sleeping on your side and having a rotator cuff tear. The study concluded that people who prefer to sleep on their side are more likely to have rotator cuff tears.

How to Relieve Shoulder Pain From Side Sleeping

Change Your Sleeping Position

The best way to avoid shoulder pain is to sleep on your back. You can use pillows to support yourself and keep you from rolling onto your side.

Shoulder Exercises

Doing exercises that move your shoulder in different ways and strengthen the muscles around it can help reduce pain and improve flexibility.

Apply Heat or Ice

If your shoulder is stiff, heat can help loosen it up. If it's swollen, ice can help reduce the swelling and pain.

Use Pillows for Support

If you have to sleep on your side, make sure you're using pillows to support your arm and shoulder. Don't sleep with your arm tucked under you or over your head, as this puts extra pressure on your shoulder.

See Your Doctor

If your shoulder hurts a lot after sleeping, especially if you feel numbness going down your arm, you should see a doctor. They can check to see if there's a serious problem, like a disc problem in your neck.

Who doesn't want big, bulky arms? After all, they are a symbol of strength and, in many cases, muscularity. Therefore, many people work extensively on their biceps and, more importantly, their triceps. However, what they often forget is that some exercises may give good results but could also prove detrimental to their shoulders.

Here Are 5 Triceps Exercises That You Stop Doing

First things first, doing a wrong triceps exercise could put your shoulder at risk. While they target the triceps effectively, they also involve movements that could lead to discomfort or long-term injury, especially for those prone to shoulder issues. Here’s a look at some triceps exercises you should be cautious about and safer alternatives you can incorporate into your routine.

Cross-Body Skullcrusher

While the cross-body skull crusher may help isolate your triceps, it also puts substantial stress on your shoulder joints. This movement demands significant internal rotation, which could prove harmful if done repeatedly over time.

Instead, opt for the standard dumbbell skull crusher. By keeping your elbows tucked in close to your sides and allowing for external rotation, you can target your triceps without risking shoulder strain. This variation offers the same benefits, including effective elbow extension, but with much less risk.

Weighted Bench Dip

The weighted bench dip might seem like an easy way to boost your ego and target your triceps. However, adding plates to your lap can intensify the pressure on your shoulder joint, leading to internal rotation. This can multiply your risk of injury manifolds.

A safer alternative to this would be weighted close-grip pushup. This variation still targets the triceps while allowing you to work through a more natural range of motion, placing less stress on your shoulders.

Dumbbell Kickback

This exercise may work wonders for your triceps muscles but it doesn’t engage the muscle through its full range of motion. The tension is most noticeable at the bottom of the movement, leaving your triceps underworked in the middle of the exercise.

For a more effective triceps workout, try the X press down on a cable machine. This move maintains tension throughout the entire contraction, ensuring continuous resistance for your triceps. The crossbody motion also provides additional mid-back engagement, making it a bonus benefit of this exercise.

Dumbbell Overhead Extension

While the dumbbell overhead extension can target your triceps, it again leads to internal rotation in the shoulder. Moreover, once you reach the top of the movement, there's minimal tension left on the triceps.

Switching to a cable overhead extension provides constant tension throughout the movement. Using a cable machine and incline bench ensures your shoulder stays in a safer position while still offering a deep stretch and effective contraction of the triceps.

Diamond Pushup

Although the diamond pushup is often recommended for targeting the triceps, its hand placement increases the likelihood of internal rotation in the shoulders, which can lead to discomfort or injury.

A simple adjustment to your grip can make a big difference. By separating your hands slightly to a position just narrower than shoulder width, you can still target your triceps while reducing the risk of shoulder strain.