Synergy

SYNERGY…This is an important word. It means that when you add more than one drug to your body, the effects of the drugs are multiplied. So if you took an upper and a downer, you wouldn't meet in the middle, you would get higher highs and lower lows, similar to a roller coaster. Also, Alcohol can have an antagonistic effect with certain drugs, which means it can negate the intended benefits of the prescription. Here is a helpful chart of what is currently known to cause dangerous drug interactions.

Drug	Add	Interaction
Alcohol	Acetaminophen and Asprin	Increases gastric emptying, leading to faster alcohol absorption in the small intestine; may also inhibit gastric ADH. Alcohol enhances acetaminophen metabolism into a toxic product, potentially causing liver damage
Alcohol	Marijuana	When you ingest too much alcohol, your body's natural reaction is to vomit. Marijuana naturally calms the stomach, inhibiting the ability to purge. People who use both drugs are 10x more likely to overdose.
Alcohol	Cocaine	The body competes in the process of absorption of some drugs. Cocaine and alcohol metabolize in the body into a new form of drug called cocaethylene. This is a potentially fatal combination due to increases in cardiovascular toxicity.
Alcohol	Benzo - Sedatives	Depending on how much is in your system the effects could entail slurred speech, drowsiness, weakness, irregular breathing & slowed heart rate in smaller doses, and muscle spasms, vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness, and death in larger doses.
Alcohol	Ibuprofen	Alcohol consumption increases the associated risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Alcohol	Sedatives & Hypnotics	Alcohol inhibits the metabolism of these agents and produces a depressant effect on the CNS that includes sleepiness, disorientation, incoherence, and confusion
Alcohol	Tricyclic Anti-Depressants	Alcohol consumption increases the risk of sedation and a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up (i.e., orthostatic hypotension).