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DUI Lawyer Channahon Illinois | Alcohol and medication interactions and the effects on DUIs


It is important to note that alcohol and medication interactions can be dangerous, especially when it comes to driving. If you are taking any medications, it is important to discuss their use with your doctor. If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence our DUI lawyer Channahon Illinois is here for you. Call The MacNeil Firm today at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947 for a consultation. 

You can be charged with driving under the influence of drugs in Illinois, even if you have a valid prescription, if you are found to be impaired or driving unsafely. Oftentimes, when medication and alcohol interactions happen, they are dangerous. Alcohol is a drug that slows down the body’s ability to process other medications, so it can interfere with how well medications work. 

Some medications warn against drinking alcohol while taking them. You need to consult your doctor about whether or not you should avoid drinking alcohol altogether or if there are any specific restrictions on what type of alcohol you should drink when using any prescription medications.

When you combine alcohol with medication, it can cause a dangerous interaction

Alcohol and medication interactions are dangerous. When you mix alcohol with medications, it can cause a dangerous interaction that’s bad for your health. Medications can affect how your body absorbs alcohol, making it easier for you to become drunk more quickly than normal. Alcohol also affects how well your body processes the medication, so there’s a greater chance of side effects or an overdose if you take both at once

  • Alcohol and painkillers – Painkillers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can cause drowsiness. They also can cause dizziness and confusion. Painkillers may cause nausea, vomiting or constipation. Dry mouth is another side effect of these medications.
  • Alcohol and stimulants – Stimulants are drugs that can increase the effects of alcohol. Stimulants include caffeine, nicotine, cocaine and amphetamines. Stimulants can make you feel more intoxicated than you really are. This can cause you to drink more alcohol than usual or to have difficulty knowing when it’s time to stop drinking. They may increase the effects of alcohol by speeding up metabolism and reducing nausea that some people experience when drinking heavily or over long periods of time
  • Alcohol and sedatives – Sedatives are drugs that cause drowsiness and relaxation. The effects of sedatives can be similar to alcohol, including slowed reflexes, impaired judgment and memory loss. Some examples of prescription sedatives include Ambien, Klonopin, and Valium.

Because of the interactions that medications can have with alcohol, it is unsafe to drive. It could be dangerous because your reaction time is slower and you could get into an accident. You need to protect yourself and others, so make sure to avoid getting behind the wheel if you are impaired. If you do need legal assistance, our DUI lawyer Channahon Illinois is here to help you. 

Our DUI lawyer Channahon Illinois will protect your rights and your future

When you drink alcohol, it can affect the way your body processes medications. This may lead to an increased level of the drug in your system and cause serious side effects. Driving while under the influence of both drugs and alcohol is illegal in most states, so take extra care if you’re taking any medications. If you need legal assistance, our DUI lawyer Channahon Illinois at The MacNeil Firm is here for you. 

Many people assume that if you were prescribed medication by a doctor, you cannot be held accountable for an Illinois driving under the influence charge based on consuming those pills. This is a common misconception which is 100% incorrect. If there is a traffic infraction or some sort of erratic driving and they suspect that the individual might be intoxicated, but there is no odor of alcohol, then they definitely are going to look for prescription medications or some other drug. There are many prescription medications that have an intoxicating effect that could form the basis for a drug based DUI.

If you are taking any medication, it is important to discuss its use with your doctor. If you are taking any medications including over-the-counter or herbal supplements, then it is especially vital that you discuss this with your physician so that he or she can determine if there will be an interaction between the two substances. The best way to avoid negative interactions between alcohol and medication is to be aware of what medications you are taking and how they may affect your ability to drive. If you suspect that there might be a problem with alcohol and medication interactions, it’s important that you seek medical attention immediately. And if you need legal assistance, contact our office today to talk to an experienced DUI lawyer Channahon Illinois. 


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