A majority of Carleton students drink alcohol at least occasionally. And, most students use over-the-counter and prescription medications from time to time. This can create a risk of drug interactions, some of which can be extremely dangerous. Always be careful to read material supplied with prescription and over-the-counter medications about possible drug interactions before using them.

Marijuana
Intoxication is increased and lasts longer. Psychomotor functioning becomes more impaired and complex tasks that involve learning, hand-eye coordination, memory and logical though suffer.

Ecstasy
Exponential increase in dehydration. Likelihood of overdose, as alcohol may mask the effects of ecstasy

Rohypnol (aka: Roofies)
Judgment and motor skills and cause memory loss or blackouts (lasting 8 to 24 hours after ingestion). May cause respiratory depression, aspiration or even death

Stimulants (e.g. Caffeine)
Can mask the depressant action of alcohol but does not lower blood alcohol content. May temporarily increase blood pressure, muscle tension and heart rate.

Over-The-Counter Painkillers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibuprofen)
Increase possible irritation and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Possible liver damage.
Increased depression of central nervous system

Insulin
Increased chance of hypoglycemia

Antibiotics
Can reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of certain types. Some can cause nausea and vomiting.

Prescription Painkillers
Reduction of functioning of the central nervous system can lead to loss of effective breathing and death.

Sleep Medicines
Alcohol greatly increases the drugs potency which depresses the central nervous system; coma, death.

Antihistamines
Drowsiness and loss of alertness and central nervous system depression making driving and operation of machinery very hazardous.

Antidepressants
A person's ability to operate normally is lessened. Certain combinations can cause blood pressure crisis. Enhanced depression of central nervous system; impairment of motor skills

Tranquilizers (e.g. Valium©, Ativan©, Xanax©, Tranxene©, Halcion©)
Additional depression of central nervous system functions including severe impairment of voluntary movements such as walking, bladder control and use of the hands. Can cause respiratory failure and death.

Source:BACCHUS