2007-11-05 17:56:44 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
It may not kill him, but it's not a good idea.
The antidepressants are a CNS depressant already. The alcohol further depresses the CNS, which could cause death, even if accidental.
Also, the arthritis medicine often causes stomach irritation. The alcohol could further irritate his stomach lining, causing a bleeding ulcer.
2007-11-05 18:04:27 · answer #1 · answered by embroidery fan 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I echo the sentiments of all the above authors, but at 78, you gotta give the guy a break... I mean if his quality of life isn't very good, nor will it be in the absence of alcohol, why take away the little joy that the law permits? I concede that this is not a wise practice to take his medications with beer and whiskey... but depending on his general health, I don't think that cessation of alcohol will be an effective strategy for such a patient; I can't imagine that he will be compliant with such a strategy... So quite frankly, there comes an age where one must say, look, let the man live his life and not interfere so long as he's not endangering others.
2007-11-05 18:44:17 · answer #2 · answered by Southern Nights 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well Mary, it's risky, but some 78 year old men can get away with it. Many are fairly tough to have made it to that age as drinkers. My experience as a physician is to suggest they not do this (for the correct reasons noted in the answer above), but you cannot force compliance.
It also depends how much beer and whiskey he is taking with his meds.
2007-11-05 18:28:33 · answer #3 · answered by Spreedog 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all the other answers failed to mention alcholhol is a depressant and it would depend on the ssri he is taking ,also arthritis meds are usually a steroid so if I were you and knew this man I would definetly tell his dr or just by him a shovel as he's already digging his own grave sorry but true, it is aknown fact that that death can occur while combing the ssri's with booze
2007-11-05 20:30:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jenn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Anti-depressants adds to the depressent effect of alcohol and thats right , it can cause respiratory failure.
Medications along with alcohol also put strain on liver which can cause liver cirrhosis and at the same time can cause gastric irritation leading to ulcer.
2007-11-05 20:37:11 · answer #5 · answered by Annie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All the embroiderer says is true. One wonders why you would bother taking the antidepressant if you are going to continue to depress yourself with other drugs...
This man needs some counselling.
2007-11-05 18:30:13 · answer #6 · answered by Menthoids 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋