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*Some drugs slow the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, increasing susceptibility to intoxication.

*Some drugs slow the body's ability to metabolize alcohol, increasing susceptibility to intoxication.

The effects can be serious. For example, the interaction of alcohol with allergy medicines and painkillers can impair central nervous system functions, which results in fatigue, confusion and poor judgment. Interactions involving antidepressants, sleep aids and blood pressure medicines can create blood pressure problems. For those on arthritis medicines, alcohol consumption can cause possible liver damage.

The effects can be serious. For example, the interaction of alcohol with allergy medicines and painkillers can impair central nervous system functions, which results in fatigue, confusion and poor judgment. Interactions involving antidepressants, sleep aids and blood pressure medicines can create blood pressure problems. For those on [[Directory:Tell Me About Senior Health/Arthritis/Arthritis}arthritis]] medicines, alcohol consumption can cause possible liver damage.

"The best thing to do is read the instruction label on your medication, ask questions if they seem unclear and always follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist," said Bailey.

"The best thing to do is read the instruction label on your medication, ask questions if they seem unclear and always follow the advice of your doctor and pharmacist," said Bailey.