Alcohol is a widely used substance and is consumed regularly by more than half of Americans. As a result of its accepted use, many people fail to recognize the risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking prescription medications.
One medication that is prescribed more than 20 million times each year that you should avoid mixing with alcohol is prednisone, a common steroid.
What is Prednisone?
Prednisone is a corticosteroid (steroid) that is prescribed to treat a variety of conditions, such as autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus as well as inflammatory conditions like asthma or bursitis. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation and swelling.
Prednisone may be prescribed for short or long-term use depending on their intended use. People with autoimmune conditions may be instructed to take prednisone daily to prevent flare-ups.
Prednisone is widely associated with the side effects it causes, which can be severe in some people. Possible side effects of prednisone include:
- Weight gain
- Mood changes
- Increased appetite
- Insomnia
- Fluid retention
- Elevated blood pressure
- Increased risk of infection
- Weakening of the immune system
- Osteoporosis
- Muscle weakness
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Increased blood sugar levels
- Suppressed adrenal gland function
- Stomach ulcers
- Delayed wound healing
- Acne
- Facial swelling
- Thin and fragile skin
- Increased sweating
To minimize the potential for side effects, it is important to only take prednisone as directed. Healthcare professionals typically recommend the following:
- Taking prednisone after having a full meal
- Eating small meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar stable
- Limiting your salt intake to prevent water retention
- Avoiding stimulants (including caffeine and nicotine) which can worsen side effects
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone?
As widely as prednisone is prescribed and as much alcohol as Americans consume, many people don’t think twice before drinking alcohol while taking prednisone. However, you should limit or avoid alcohol while taking any oral steroids. Alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication.
If you are prescribed prednisone and know you may drink, be sure to talk to your doctor about how much alcohol you can safely consume, if any at all.
What Happens if You Drink Alcohol While Taking Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids?
While alcohol and prednisone don’t have direct interaction with each other, mixing the two substances can worsen side effects. Firstly, alcohol and steroids both suppress the immune system, which can make it difficult to fight off infections.
Second, prednisone can increase blood sugar levels, especially in people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes or those who have taken steroids for extended amounts of time. At the same time, having more than one to two drinks a day can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. As a result, drinking alcohol regularly while taking prednisone can increase blood sugar to concerning levels, and potentially lead to a type 2 diabetes diagnosis.
Another reason you shouldn’t drink alcohol while taking steroids is that both alcohol and steroids cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and may cause peptic ulcers. Abusing alcohol while taking steroids may result in digestive issues or upset stomach.
Finally, both steroids and alcohol, when used long-term, can cause bones to become brittle and thin, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. When you mix both substances, the risk of osteoporosis increases further.
Other side effects that may worsen as a result of alcohol abuse include headache, heartburn, mood changes, and weight gain.
Who Should Avoid Alcohol While Taking Prednisone?
Anyone who is prescribed prednisone should avoid drinking as alcohol can worsen side effects and affect how well the medication works. However, if you take prednisone long-term, your doctor may tell you it is OK to have an occasional drink. Only your doctor can help you make the right decision for your body.
With that said, the risks of drinking alcohol while taking prednisone are increased in women and older adults. Women and older adults are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol compared to men and young people, so they may also be more vulnerable to the side effects.
What If I Can’t Stop Drinking?
If you’re having trouble staying away from alcohol even if your doctor has directed you to do so, you may need to evaluate your relationship with alcohol. The inability to control or moderate your drinking is a sign of a drinking problem.
Other signs you may have a drinking problem include:
- Needing to drink more than you used to in order to feel the desired effects (tolerance)
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal if you stop drinking
- Making multiple failed attempts to moderate or stop your drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities or passions because you’d rather drink
- Having trouble at work, school, or home as a result of your drinking
- Lying to loved ones about your alcohol use
- Continuing to drink despite the consequences you face
If you suspect you have a problem with alcohol, it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible.
Get Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Today
At First Step Behavioral Health, we understand the seriousness of alcohol addiction, especially since it is the most common addiction that our clients struggle with. The objective at First Step Behavioral Health is to help clients recover in a safe and comfortable environment, with an abundance of peer and clinical support.
We have therapies available to empower clients through their own recovery while uncovering their passion in life without the use of drugs or alcohol. Our staff is equipped and ready to help with any questions or concerns. Make the life-changing phone call today.
References:
- National Library of Medicine: Prednisone, July 2023 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809/
- Johns Hopkins Vasculitis Center: Prednisone, July 2023 from https://www.hopkinsvasculitis.org/vasculitis-treatments/prednisone/
- Science Direct: Double trouble? A mixed methods study exploring experiences with combined use of anabolic-androgenic steroids and psychoactive substances among women, Retrieved July 2023 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221126692100013X
