Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
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If you're currently on omeprazole and plan to drink alcohol, it's crucial to understand how they interact with each other. Moderate drinking is generally safe for many, but you should only take certain drugs and alcohol with your physician’s recommendation.
This blog post explores the potential interactions of omeprazole when you take it with alcohol. It will help you make an educated decision about whether or not this is a course of action you want to take.
Omeprazole is a medication that reduces stomach acid. The brand name of omeprazole is commonly sold under the brand name Prilosec or Losec. It’s available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and by prescription (RX).
Omeprazole medication treats:
Omeprazole is classified as a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). A PPI works on the cells that line the stomach, reducing the amount of stomach acid they produce.
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Although it can treat conditions such as acid reflux and stomach ulcers, mild side effects from omeprazole can occur, such as:
Since the drug can change or interfere with how blood thinners and anti-seizure medications work, you must tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you take before starting omeprazole.
While omeprazole and alcohol do not lead to direct drug interactions, they share similar adverse effects.
Omeprazole and alcohol share similar side effects, such as:
Consuming alcohol while taking omeprazole may cause or worsen these symptoms. Additionally, alcohol consumption can lead to increased stomach acid production and worsen heartburn symptoms, potentially reducing the efficacy of omeprazole.
While it’s okay to drink while taking omeprazole, alcohol can negatively affect your stomach. If you have a history of ulcers or acid reflux, it's best to limit your alcohol intake.
Alcohol can also increase heartburn symptoms by causing an imbalance in the amount of acid that the stomach produces. This imbalance releases more acid into the esophagus than usual.
Additionally, drinking alcohol can cause dehydration, especially if you're not drinking enough water. It also forces the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to malfunction, resulting in increased symptoms of acid reflux.
You should limit your alcohol intake if you experience symptoms of acid reflux. Medical professionals recommend only having one drink per day for women and two for men.
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People take omeprazole to stop their stomachs from making acid. In contrast, drinking alcoholic beverages increases stomach acid production and reduces the drug's efficacy. These two interactions can lead to adverse effects.
Drinking alcohol while taking omeprazole may:
In high doses, heartburn medications like omeprazole can potentially induce feelings of confusion, drowsiness, and irritability. Combining high doses of omeprazole and alcohol may increase the severity of these side effects.
Consuming alcohol in excess can also worsen the severity of these side effects. Talk to your doctor about your alcohol consumption and medication history before taking omeprazole.
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Omeprazole dependence is not a common concern since it doesn’t typically lead to psychological cravings or drug dependence. Instead, the main issue with long-term use is the potential rebound of the drug’s effects if abruptly stopped. The body's acid production can increase after prolonged suppression by the drug.
This increase can result in a return of prior symptoms or the emergence of symptoms associated with an overproduction of stomach acid, including:
It’s crucial to take omeprazole as prescribed or directed by your physician. Long-term use can lead to an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. It is also associated with an increased risk of diarrheal infections caused by Clostridium difficile.
If you need to stop medication, your healthcare provider may gradually reduce omeprazole's dose and frequency to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
Moderate drinking is typically harmless for most people, especially those with high alcohol tolerance. People dealing with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may have a more challenging time avoiding drinking, even when they’re on medication that can have adverse interactions with alcohol.
If you’re having trouble avoiding drinking while on omeprazole medication, you should work with your doctor or an addiction coach to stay sober.
You can receive treatment for AUD in three primary forms:
Inpatient care is ideal for substance use disorders (SUDs) that require 24/7 professional care and support. This kind of treatment provides comprehensive and structured care.
You'll receive individualized attention from highly trained professionals. They will help you develop coping skills and learn how to manage cravings.
Outpatient care is best for those who don’t want a severe disruption to their home lives. It gives people the tools and framework to manage their cravings and better process emotional stress.
Outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder may involve frequent check-ins to ensure proper adherence to medications and provide support during the withdrawal process.
MAT can help with withdrawal symptoms. It can provide the support people need to stop drinking alcohol and usually occurs in inpatient and outpatient settings.
These three treatment options also include therapeutic care to help provide support, coping mechanisms, and tools for managing the situations that lead to alcohol use.
While no known drug interactions exist between omeprazole and alcohol, avoiding mixing these substances is best. Drinking alcohol while on omeprazole may also increase stomach acid, making it harder to manage your condition.
If you’re having trouble avoiding alcohol while under medication, talk to your doctor to look for solutions to staying sober.
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