Many types of prescription medications are not advised for use with alcohol. Drinking when it is not advised could be a sign that you are misusing alcohol. Addiction treatment programs take great care to educate clients about the dangers of mixing medications with alcohol and other substances.
Call Promises today at 844.875.5609 if you or someone you know needs the support of a recovery program.
What Is Lisinopril Used For?
Lisinopril is the generic name for a medication that is used to treat hypertension and heart failure. It belongs to a class of drugs known as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors for short. It may also be prescribed after a heart attack to improve a person’s chances of survival.
Lisinopril works by relaxing blood vessels in the body. As the blood vessels relax, it reduces stress on the heart and lowers blood pressure. All medications in this class have a similar chemical structure and work the same way.
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Lisinopril? Warnings and Side Effects
Like all prescription medications, lisinopril comes with a list of warnings and side effects. As it relates to alcohol use, the most concerning side effects may be that the medication can cause dizziness, low blood pressure, and feelings of faintness.
Lisinopril can also cause liver failure in some people. Because alcohol can cause the same side effects, mixing the two substances increases the risks of both.
The answer to the question “Can you drink alcohol while taking lisinopril?” is no, you shouldn’t, especially if you have only recently begun taking the medication. Since the side effects of lisinopril and the side effects of alcohol are similar, it would be too difficult to discern which substance was causing the problem.
Potential Lisinopril and Alcohol Interactions
Lisinopril and alcohol interactions can be mild to severe. The most common interaction is that alcohol may increase the effects of lisinopril and make you feel as though you took a higher dose.
Consuming alcohol regularly while taking ACE inhibitors can decrease the effectiveness of the medication, putting you at risk for heart attack, stroke, and other side effects of high blood pressure.
Serious lisinopril and alcohol interactions can be life-threatening. They include:
- Chest pains
- Jaundice and other liver complications
- Arrhythmia (changes in the heart’s rhythm)
- Chronic nausea that interferes with nutrition
Lisinopril should not be taken by people with certain conditions, including:
- Angioedema
- Hyperkalemia
- Kidney disease
- History of stroke
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take lisinopril. Be certain to discuss potential interactions with your physician before taking the medication.
Warning Signs of a Lisinopril and Alcohol Interaction
If you do use alcohol while taking lisinopril, watch for signs of an interaction. Symptoms include:
- Nausea, vomiting
- A severe drop in blood pressure
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Chest pains and other heart attack symptoms
- Jaundice
If you experience chest pains or other symptoms of a heart attack, seek emergency care immediately. If you experience other symptoms of a drug interaction, consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Get Help Today with Promises’ Addiction Treatment Program
Chronic use of alcohol while taking lisinopril is a sign you may have an alcohol use disorder. Using alcohol and other substances when it is risky to do so, such as drinking while driving or drinking while taking medications, is one of the indicators of addiction.
At Promises, recovery from alcohol and substance use disorder begins with medically supervised detox. Medical detox ensures every patient remains as safe and comfortable as possible and that all their medical needs are met. To learn more about our detox and treatment programs, call Promises today at 844.875.5609.