Caffeinated Alcohol Energy Drinks Mixed with Medications Prescription Deadly Combination
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Due to a growing number of patients taking a medications prescription while under the influence of excess caffeine, the FDA is considering a ban on caffeinated alcoholic drinks. The decision comes after several college students were hospitalized after consuming Four Loko drinks, though it is unknown if any type of medication was involved in the hospitalizations. However, last year due to safety concerns the FDA sent letters to nearly 30 manufacturers concerning the safety of 40 alcoholic energy drinks.
Alcoholic energy drinks contain about 6 to 12% alcohol and also about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. Many college campuses and local health departments, including the D.C. Department of Health which has investigated two incidents of hospitalization after consuming these beverages, are asking emergency officials to report incidents involving the consumption of such beverages.
Mixing Caffeinated Alcohol Drinks and a Medications Prescription
Mixing energy drinks and a medications prescription is a potentially lethal combination that claims the lives of college students every year. A study of undergraduate students conducted by Kathleen E. Miller at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addiction revealed that students who consumed six or more energy drinks per month were more than twice as likely to abuse prescription drugs at the same time.
The caffeine, taurine and herbs in many energy drinks may interfere with certain drugs and potentially produce exaggerated side effects, depending on drug classification.
Mixing prescription drugs and alcohol can lead to serious and fatal interactions, including convulsions, liver damage, blood pressure elevation, loss of consciousness, nausea, sedation and dizziness. Always consult a doctor when prescribed a new medications prescription to avoid such issues, and always read the packaging carefully.
