We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Risks of Combining Hydrocodone and Alcohol?

By T. Broderick
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,230
Share

There are many risks associated with combining hydrocodone and alcohol. These two drugs are depressants, meaning that they slow down the central nervous system (CNS). Taking them together increases the effects of both drugs. Overdose and death become more likely. One should discuss his or her alcohol use with a physician before starting treatment with hydrocodone.

Hydrocodone and alcohol are depressant drugs. In alcoholic beverages, ethanol produces this effect. Hydrocodone, an opium derivative, is much stronger and intended as a pain killer. In taking either drug, central nervous system processes slow down, creating a variety of effects: muscle relaxation, slurred speech, cognitive impairment, sedation and depression, just to name a few. Simultaneously taking two depressants is a potentially fatal combination.

Medically speaking, alcohol is a contraindication for hydrocodone. This means that alcohol interferes with the intended medicinal affect of hydrocodone. Though some unintended drug combinations can cancel out the effects of medication, mixing these substances does the opposite.

Depressants, when mixed, have an exponentially greater affect on the body rather than just the sum effects of the two drugs separately. Individuals who combine both drugs fall into a trap by believing that taking hydrocodone and alcohol together will not affect them too greatly. Yet when the drugs are combined in the human body, the affects are generally double of what one expects. This unsafe drug combination can easily lead to overdose.

An overdose of hydrocodone and alcohol presents with symptoms associated with an overdose of either drug taken on its own. A person may fall into a deep sleep and become unresponsive; also, the pupils may become very small. These effects generally occur within the first few minutes of combining these two substances. The most dangerous symptom, though, is that a person may have trouble breathing or completely stop breathing. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any of these symptoms appear.

Due to the possibly fatal consequences of mixing hydrocodone and alcohol, it is necessary to discuss one's alcohol use with a physician before starting hydrocodone treatment for pain management. If one drinks heavily, a physician may require that one stop all alcohol consumption for a period of time before he or she will prescribe hydrocodone. In some cases a physician may recommend that one enter an alcohol treatment program. For patients, it is important to remember that being truthful with one's physician concerning alcohol use can avoid a life-threatening drug combination.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By burcidi — On Apr 13, 2013

@fify-- I combined hydrocodone with alcohol once. I've never been so sick my whole life. I vomited all night and had the worst hangover the next day. It took me two days of bed rest and lots of water to get back on my feet.

It's not worth it really. It's just going to make you nauseated. You won't enjoy the alcohol or the company in that state. Just wait till you finish your medication.

By literally45 — On Apr 13, 2013

@fify-- Have you asked your doctor? Your doctor is the best person to ask about hydrocodone and alcohol interaction.

I'm on this medication right now too, at a higher dose than you are and my doctor told me not to drink. He said it will mess up my liver and I surely don't want to do that.

2.5mg doesn't sound like a lot but hydrocodone is a strong drug. Even a small dose can do a lot depending on how the individual tolerates medications.

By fify — On Apr 12, 2013

I'm on a very low dose of hydrocodone-- just 2.5mg daily. Would anything happen if I had a few beers?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-risks-of-combining-hydrocodone-and-alcohol.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.