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Is it OK to drink alcohol while taking prednisone? Both alcohol and prednisone can have similar side effects, which makes combining them a potentially bad idea. But if you check the package label for prednisone, you’ll notice it doesn’t directly mention any specific side effects or risks related to drinking alcohol while taking prednisone.
To put things in perspective, every year, 3.8% of the population gets a prednisone prescription alone. Likewise, about 61.4 million people in 2023 binge-drank alcohol. This means the chances of taking the two drugs together are high.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder or binge drinking while on a Prednisone prescription, doctors recommend that it is important to seek treatment. You can call us at 844.445.2565 or reach out online for the help you need.
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What To Avoid While On Prednisone?
Prednisone is a prescription corticosteroid (a type of steroid) used to treat a variety of conditions. However, it also comes with strong side effects. If another substance, such as alcohol, is used while taking prednisone, it may intensify the side effects of both the medication and the substance. That’s why it is recommended to avoid alcohol while using prednisone. If you find it difficult to take a break from drinking, it could be a sign of alcohol dependence. Resorting to alcohol therapy is the best way to overcome this dependency.
Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.
Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol While Taking Prednisone
Although there is limited research on the side effects of drinking alcohol while taking prednisone, combining the two may increase potential health issues. The health issues also depend on the degree of dosage. These are some of the side effects of this combination:
1. Digestive Problems
Using both Alcohol and Prednisone may cause Gastrointestinal issues like irritation of the stomach lining, resulting in pain or cramps, a burning feeling in the chest, Nausea or vomiting, and indigestion. In severe cases, it may cause an ulcer and bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
2. Weak Immune System
Prednisone is known for suppressing the immune system, and when used with alcohol, the combination can further increase this problem.
3. Mood Swings or Depression
Prednisone affects brain chemistry, while alcohol is also known as a depressant. So the combo of these two can result in increased mood swings, depression, and irritability.
4. Weakening of Bones
Long-term use of prednisone can lead to weakened bones or osteoporosis, while alcohol interferes with calcium absorption. As a result, combining the two increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
5. Changes in Blood Sugar
Prednisone increases glucose production, while alcohol also impacts blood sugar. As a result, drinking alcohol while taking prednisone may negatively affect blood sugar levels.
6. Weight Gain
Prednisone increases appetite and causes the body to retain water, which may lead to weight gain. Alcohol is also high in calories, so using both at the same time can increase the risk of weight gain.
The Dangers of Drinking on Prednisone
How Much Alcohol Can I Drink on Prednisone?
The straight answer is none. That’s because both prednisone and alcohol can cause similar side effects, making their combination potentially risky. Even a small amount of alcohol may result in overstepping the safe threshold while taking prednisone. That’s why avoiding alcohol entirely during prednisone treatment is the safest choice. If you find it difficult to stop drinking, it may be a sign of alcohol dependence. ChoicePoint offers a comprehensive alcohol treatment program that can help you achieve full recovery.
How Long After Taking Prednisone Can You Drink Alcohol?
Avoiding alcohol during the prednisone treatment is the safest option. It’s a good idea to stay away from alcohol for at least 24 to 48 hours after finishing the course of prednisone because this time is required for clearing the medicine from the system. In case of an extended treatment, it is better to wait for a longer period after consultation with your doctor.
Get help for alcohol use disorder because no alcohol amount is safe to use with serious medications like Prednisone. Call 844.445.2565 or fill out this form.
Client’s Review
“Struggling with an autoimmune disorder and alcohol addiction felt like a never-ending battle. It got so bad that I would use prednisone and alcohol together, which, needless to say, worsened the side effects of the medication after a while. I decided– enough is enough. I joined ChoicePoint’s Alcohol Treatment Program, and it changed my life. The supportive staff, personalized treatment, and community-oriented environment helped accelerate my recovery. What made the process even smoother was how they handled my insurance—it was quick, easy, and stress-free. Thanks to Choice Point, I’m now enjoying a healthier, sober life.”
Why Are Alcohol and Prednisone Mixed?
People may drink alcohol while taking prednisone for various reasons, often unaware of the potential health risks that can arise from combining the two. Here are some common reasons why both might be used at the same time:
1. Belief That It’s Safe
It is a common misconception that there is no connection between alcohol and prednisone or that both don’t have similar side effects. This misunderstanding stems from a lack of comprehensive research on the impact of combining the two. For this reason, it is recommended to consult your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking prednisone.
2. Lack of Awareness
Most people are unaware of the potential side effects of this combination. This lack of awareness often means they don’t research the risks or consult a doctor beforehand.
3. To Manage The Side Effects Of Prednisone
Using prednisone over a long period may cause mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability. Some people find refuge in alcohol to suppress these side effects, not realizing that, instead of helping, the combination can make these problems worse.
4. Addiction-related Problems
Some people may become addicted to both alcohol and prednisone and find it difficult to break free from this dependency, even if they are aware of the side effects. This is a form of substance dependency that needs a proper environment for complete recovery. The recovery process may include the safest way to get alcohol out of your system faster, online drug and alcohol counselling, and aftercare support.
If you’re facing this challenge of substance dependency, we’re here to help.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction or Prescription Drug Abuse
In case of addiction, you can seek help from ChoicePoint, which offers the best solution for substance dependency. We are offering various services for health issues related to substance use disorder (SUD). These services include:
- Telehealth Addiction Treatment Program
- Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment Program
- Intensive Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment Program
- Inpatient Addiction Treatment Program
- Partial Care Program
- Aftercare Program
All programs are insurance-covered. You can easily verify your insurance online or call us at 844.445.2565. Our medical staff will help you get started on your road toward recovery. Get help today!
The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Prednisone: Most Concerning Questions
The dangers can often be unpredictable because those taking prednisone consider it a safe duo. However, it’s recommended to avoid alcohol while taking prednisone. If you find it difficult to resist the urge to drink, it may be best to consider joining an alcohol treatment program.
Why Do the Doctors Recommend Prednisone?
Prednisone is a powerful corticosteroid used to treat conditions such as asthma, arthritis, allergies, and autoimmune diseases. It works by suppressing the immune system to help control symptoms like swelling, pain, and allergic reactions, and is also used in more serious conditions like lupus or certain types of cancer.
Is Mixing Prednisone and Alcohol Asking for Trouble?
No conclusive studies have been conducted on the negative effects of using alcohol and prednisone together, but there are notable similarities in their side effects. For this reason, it is generally considered a good idea to avoid mixing the two. The combination can lead to serious health issues, especially when used for an extended period. If you are suffering from binge drinking or are unaware of AUD, quickly get the online alcohol assessment and start your treatment right away by calling us at 844.445.2565.
Sources
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/202020s000lbl.pdf
- Bjornsdottir, H. H., Einarsson, Ó. B., Gröndal, G., & Gudbjornsson, B. (2024, March 20). Nationwide prevalence of glucocorticoid prescriptions over 17 years and osteoporosis prevention among long-term users. SAGE Open Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10956150/
- Alcohol use in the United States: Age groups and demographic characteristics | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). (n.d.). https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohols-effects-health/alcohol-topics-z/alcohol-facts-and-statistics/alcohol-use-united-states-age-groups-and-demographic-characteristics
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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