Aging, Medicines and Alcohol (April is National Alcohol Awareness Month)
As we age, the need to take more and different kinds of medications tends to increase. Also, growing older means that our bodies respond differently to alcohol and to medication than when we were younger.
You should be aware that:
- Some of your medicines won't mix well with other medications, including over-the-counter medications.
- Many medications do not mix well with alcohol.
- Changes in body weight can influence the amount of medicine you need to take and how long it stays in your body.
Medicine and alcohol misuse can happen unintentionally.
Here are some signals that may indicate an alcohol or medication-related problem:
- Memory trouble after having a drink or taking medicine
- Loss of coordination (walking unsteadily, frequent falls)
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Unexplained bruises
- Being unsure of yourself
- Irritability, sadness, depression
- Unexplained chronic pain
- Changes in eating habits
- Wanting to stay alone a lot of the time
- Failing to bathe or keep clean
- Having trouble finishing sentences
- Having trouble concentrating
- Difficulty in staying in touch with family or friends
- Lack of interest in usual activities
If you think you are having trouble with alcohol or medications, talk to your doctor or other health care professional.
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