Posted by needesp on September 8, 2005, at 18:46:43
In reply to Boyfriend adding alcohol to Mirapex and Ambien, posted by Flame on September 8, 2005, at 13:36:03
> I believe I have reason to be concerned. Maybe someone here can confirm this?
>
> Last week my boyfriend of many years, came home quite late from the bar. As usual he took his Mirapex and Ambien before he headed to bed. He takes these to help him sleep and also to help with severe restless leg symptoms. During the night he got up .. (I guess he couldn't sleep???) and headed towards the kitchen to get a "snack". Apparently .. during that time that he was up, he must have lost somewhat of control .. as all kinds of things appeared to have happened. There was a broken plate off to the side of his lazy boy .. with syrup dripping off of it AND an uncooked sausage laying on the floor? After I saw all of this, I proceeded to the kitchen .. where I assumed he would be, and he was standing up next to the microwave supporting himself (totally!) against the wall. I (at that point) told him that he had to get into bed NOW and that he did not need to eat anything more, he kept saying "what's wrong, what's wrong?" .. as he was very much stumbling towards the bedroom. (I was infuriated!) He then went away for the long weekend. When he returned home he complained of feeling extremely tired and just not feeling "right". The next day (this past Tuesday) he went into the drs. office feeling very badly. They did all kinds of tests (which haven't come back yet). The dr. did note that his heart was racing and of course he was broken out in a sweat.
>
> My boyfriend also takes Effexor xr (I think 300 mg?) My question for anyone here .. that had the heart to read this whole post, is this: I believe that he may be having these problems because he is drinking so heavily (at times) with his meds. Can anyone confirm this for me? Also with this "mix" of prescription drugs and alcohol, can you tell me (generally) what the contraindications are of these types of meds when you mix them w/alcohol?
>
> Thanks much!Hi,
As hard as it may be try and remain calm and supportive (belief me I know it is hard!). His drinking is most likely to escape his feelings of distress. Sounds like he is taking his medications as prescribed (Effexor, Mirapex and Ambien), however the Ambien and Mirapex are sedating (I believe) and added to the alcohol will lead to the lack of coordination and stumbling that you describe.
If he is open to it, ask him what each drug is for and how you can help him and be of support. Let him know your concern about the alcohol (make sure the situation is a calm one)and just say that you will be there for him.
Love is a powerful support (remember its not a cure all but I believe its a hell of a wonderful thing for a sufferer to feel and know is there).
PS: remember also to take time out for yourself to do something that you love to do (keeps you strong).Just my tuppence worth.
poster:needesp
thread:552310
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050901/msgs/552417.html