Vraylar and alcohol reddit

Keep in mind that Vraylar takes a long time to build up in your system. Because of this, certain side effects may take a while to appear and also to go away.

Short-term side effects. Certain mild side effects of Vraylar usually last a few weeks to months. Some examples of these short-term side effects include nausea, upset stomach, headache, and feeling sleepy. Over time, these side effects should ease as your body gets used to the drug. Short-term side effects may return for a time if your doctor increases your dosage.

Long-term side effects. Some side effects of Vraylar are long term, but they can be managed. Your doctor will monitor you and prescribe treatments as necessary. Some examples of these side effects and treatments include:

• high blood sugar levels, which may be treated with metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza), insulin, or other diabetes medications
• high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, which may be treated with statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) or fibrates such as fenofibrate (Triglide, Tricor)

Akathisia. One of the more common side effects of Vraylar is a movement disorder called akathisia. With akathisia, you feel restless and have an intense urge to move constantly, mainly in your legs. Tell your doctor if you notice this side effect, which may be short term or long term. They may decrease your dosage or have you stop taking the drug.

Tardive dyskinesia. Another possible long-term side effect of Vraylar is tardive dyskinesia. It involves random movements of your tongue, head, neck, legs, or arms that you can’t control. Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect that can occur after you have taken Vraylar for a long time or after you have stopped taking the drug.

Other long-term side effects of Vraylar are possible. If you have questions about your risk of side effects from the medication, talk with your doctor.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects that Vraylar may cause.

Boxed warnings

Vraylar has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. Vraylar has a boxed warning about a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults (ages 24 years and younger) and children. The risk is highest for people who recently started taking Vraylar or recently had their dosage changed. It’s important to note that Vraylar is not prescribed for children.

Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Vraylar use is linked to an increased risk of death in older adults (ages 65 years and older) with psychosis that’s related to dementia. (Psychosis is a loss of awareness of reality. Dementia refers to problems with thinking, memory, and communication.) Vraylar belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics. These medications are known to increase the risk of death in older adults with psychosis that’s related to dementia.

Antipsychotics can also increase the risk of stroke in people with this psychosis related to dementia. And in some cases, stroke can lead to death. Symptoms of stroke include:

• weakness on one side of the body, usually in the face, arm, or leg
• headache
• slurred speech
• trouble seeing or walking

What might help

If you’re age 65 years or older and have psychosis related to dementia, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vraylar. They can tell you about other treatment options that may be safer.

If you have symptoms of stroke while taking Vraylar, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

If you’re age 24 years or younger, your doctor will monitor you very closely if they prescribe Vraylar. You, your family, your friends, and your doctor should watch for any symptoms of depression or suicidal behavior. You or your loved ones should talk with your doctor right away if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

If you have questions about whether Vraylar is safe for you, talk with your doctor.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Stay with the person until help arrives.
• Remove any guns, knives, medications, or other things that may cause harm.
• Listen, but don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, get help from a crisis or suicide prevention hotline. Try the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a possible side effect of Vraylar.

Vraylar belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics. These drugs are known to cause changes in your metabolism (the way your body converts calories to energy). These changes can lead to weight gain in some people.

In Vraylar’s studies, weight gain was more common in people who took the drug to treat schizophrenia. This was compared with people who took Vraylar to treat bipolar depression or mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder.

What might help

Your doctor will monitor your weight regularly while you take Vraylar.

Being physically active can help you reach or maintain a weight that’s healthy for you. Before starting a new workout routine, talk with your doctor. This is because Vraylar may cause problems with regulating body temperature. Too much exercise, especially in hot weather, may raise your risk of heatstroke or overheating while taking Vraylar.

To help prevent weight gain or limit it, it’s also important to eat a balanced diet. This may include consuming fewer processed foods, sweets, and fried foods. Consider talking with a registered dietitian to learn more about a healthy diet that’s right for you.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Vraylar. It isn’t clear how often allergic reactions occurred in the drug’s studies.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Vraylar. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Vraylar that’s right for you. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Vraylar form

Vraylar comes as a capsule that you swallow.

Vraylar strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg

Vraylar capsules come in four strengths: 1. 5 milligrams (mg), 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg.

Recommended dosage

You’ll take Vraylar once daily, with or without food.

Doctors usually prescribe a low starting dose of Vraylar. Then, they may increase your dosage over time until they find the one that’s right for you.

It’s important not to take more than the maximum dose of Vraylar that your doctor prescribes.

For more detailed information about Vraylar’s recommended dosages, see this article.

Questions about Vraylar’s dosage

Here are some questions you may have about Vraylar’s dosage and their answers.

• What if I miss a dose of Vraylar? If you miss a dose of Vraylar, take it as soon as you can, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose at the usual time. You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting an alarm or using a reminder app on your phone.
• Will I need to take Vraylar long term? Vraylar may be used as a long- or short-term treatment. It’s meant to be used as a long-term treatment for schizophrenia. When it’s used to treat bipolar depression or mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder, Vraylar may be used short term. After your symptoms ease, your doctor may prescribe a different medication for long-term use. In studies of people who took Vraylar to treat bipolar depression or mixed or manic episodes, the drug was taken for 6 weeks.
• How long does Vraylar take to work? It may take a few weeks for Vraylar to work. After about 2 to 4 weeks, you’ll likely follow up with your doctor. They may increase your dosage if your symptoms haven’t eased enough. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms throughout your treatment to see how well Vraylaris working for you.

Get answers to some common questions about Vraylar.

Is Vraylar used for treating major depression? If so, what’s the dosage?

Vraylar is not used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly called depression. The drug doesn’t have a recommended dosage for this condition.

Vraylar is approved to treat bipolar depression (and certain other conditions) in adults. But this condition isn’t the same as MDD. Bipolar depression is an episode of a very low mood that occurs in someone who has bipolar disorder.

It’s possible that a doctor may prescribe Vraylar for MDD if they think it’s the best choice. But this would be an off-label use of the drug. (Off-label drug use is when a drug is prescribed for a purpose that it hasn’t been approved for.)

In this situation, the doctor would determine the dosage based on relevant clinical studies and their expert judgement.

To learn more about Vraylar’s uses, see the “What is Vraylar used for?” section below or talk with your doctor.

How does Vraylar work? And how long does it stay in your system?

Vraylar’s mechanism of action (how the drug works in the body) isn’t known for sure. The drug is thought to affect the activity of two brain chemicals: dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals are involved in regulating your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. By affecting dopamine and serotonin, Vraylar may help ease the symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder.

As for how long Vraylar stays in your system, the drug has a half-life of about 1 week. (A drug’s half-life is the length of time it takes for half of a dose to be removed from your body.) If your doctor has you stop taking Vraylar, the drug may continue to have effects for 1 to 4 weeks after your last dose. Traces of the drug may remain in your system for 8 weeks or longer.

Does stopping Vraylar cause withdrawal symptoms? Can you stop taking it ‘cold turkey’?

No. Stopping Vraylar treatment, including stopping it “cold turkey,” should not cause withdrawal symptoms. The drug’s effects take a while to wear off after your last dose. (For more information about this, see the FAQ above.)

Stopping Vraylar treatment can cause the symptoms of your condition to return or worsen. Some people may need to receive care in a hospital if their symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder become severe.

Keep in mind that you should not stop taking Vraylar on your own. Be sure to talk with your doctor before changing or stopping any treatment.

Is there an interaction between Vraylar and caffeine?

No, caffeine does not interact with Vraylar. Caffeine is a stimulant in coffee, tea, and some other beverages and foods.

Caffeine does interact with lithium, a drug that your doctor may prescribe along with Vraylar for bipolar I disorder. Caffeine can make lithium less effective than usual.

Keep in mind that consuming a lot of caffeine when you have a mental health condition may cause or worsen certain symptoms. These can include anxiety, mania (high mood), and insomnia (trouble sleeping).

You may wish to consider limiting caffeine during treatment for a mental health condition. If you have questions about consuming caffeine with Vraylar, talk with your doctor.

Is Vraylar similar to alternative drugs, such as Rexulti and Seroquel?

Yes. Vraylar, brexpiprazole (Rexulti), and quetiapine (Seroquel) are similar. They belong to a group of drugs called antipsychotics. The three drugs also have some similar uses and potential side effects.

All of these drugs are used to treat certain mental health conditions. Vraylar is only used only in adults. Rexulti and Seroquel are used in adults and, for certain conditions, in some children.

To find out the other ways that these drugs are alike and different, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Vraylar treat anxiety or borderline personality disorder?

No, Vraylar is not used to treat anxiety disorders. It’s also not used to treat borderline personality disorder. The drug has not been approved to treat these conditions.

Vraylar is approved to treat mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder. The drug is also approved to treat schizophrenia, as well as bipolar depression in bipolar I disorder. To learn about Vraylar’s approved uses, see the “What is Vraylar used for?” section below.

If you’re looking for potential treatment options for anxiety or borderline personality disorder, talk with your doctor.

Is Vraylar an SSRI? Also, is it a controlled substance?

No, Vraylar is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are antidepressants that are used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, among other uses. Vraylar is a kind of drug called an antipsychotic.

Vraylar is also not a controlled substance. A controlled substance is a drug that has a high potential for being misused or causing dependence. Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how your doctor prescribed or taking too much of it. And to be dependent on a drug, your body needs it to feel as you usually do.

Because of these risks, the government has created special rules that limit the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. But these risks and rules do not apply to Vraylar.

Vraylar is used to treat the following mental health conditions:

• mixed or manic episodes in adults with bipolar I disorder
• bipolar depression in adults with bipolar I disorder
• schizophrenia in adults

Bipolar I disorder. With bipolar I disorder, you have clear shifts in your moods and behaviors. You have periods of bipolar depression, also called depressive episodes, in which you feel very down, hopeless, or sluggish. Depressive episodes usually last at least 2 weeks.

You also have periods of bipolar mania, also called manic episodes, during which you feel up or extremely energetic. Manic episodes last at least 7 days or become so severe that you need hospital care.

It’s also possible to have mixed episodes, in which you have depressive (low mood) and manic (high mood) symptoms at the same time.

Schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic (long-term) psychiatric disorder. A few examples of common symptoms include:

• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or sensing things that aren’t there)
• delusions (strongly believing in something that’s been proven false)
• unusual behaviors and emotions or lack of emotion
• disorganized speech or thoughts

What Vraylar does. Experts don’t know for sure how Vraylar works to treat bipolar I disorder or schizophrenia. The drug is thought to affect the activity of two brain chemicals, dopamine and serotonin. These brain chemicals are involved in regulating your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. By affecting dopamine and serotonin, Vraylar may help ease the symptoms of the conditions.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary, depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Vraylar manufacturer’s website to see if there are support options.

In addition, you can check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

You may wonder how Vraylar and Caplyta compare. Here are some key features of these medications.

These medications contain different active ingredients, so their side effects vary. That said, both drugs have a boxed warning for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. They also have a boxed warning for an increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For more information about these boxed warnings and other side effects of Vraylar, see this article. If you’d like to know more about Caplyta’s side effects, see this article.

Recommended dosages also differ between Vraylar and Caplyta. But both drugs are taken once each day. Check out this detailed overview of Vraylar’s dosage to learn more. You can also view this summary of Caplyta’s dosing information.

If you’d like to know more about these medications, talk with your doctor. They can recommend which drug may be right for you.

If you’d like to know how Vraylar and Abilify compare, see this article. You can also talk with your doctor about which drug is right for you.

Here’s a summary of some key features of these medications.

There are several important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Vraylar treatment. These include your overall health, any medications or supplements you take, and any medical conditions you have.

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Vraylar, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Vraylar.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Vraylar can interact with several medications. Some examples of these drugs include:

• certain antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole
• certain seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro)
• the antibiotic drug rifampin (Rifadin)

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Vraylar. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur.

Boxed warnings

Vraylar has boxed warnings. These are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about drug effects that may be dangerous.

These boxed warnings include:

• Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. In rare cases, Vraylar treatment may cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults (ages 24 years and younger) and children. It’s important to note that Vraylar is not approved for use in children.
• Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. Antipsychotics, such as Vraylar, are linked to an increased risk of death in certain older adults. To be specific, adults ages 65 years and older with psychosis that’s related to dementia. (Psychosis is a loss of awareness of reality. Dementia refers to problems with thinking, memory, and communication.)

For more information about these warnings, see the “What are Vraylar’s side effects?” section above.

Other warnings

Vraylar may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Vraylar. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

• Older adults with dementia related to psychosis. This warning is in addition to the boxed warning about an increased risk of death for this group described above. Older adults with psychosis related to dementia may have an increased risk of stroke or ministroke while taking antipsychotic drugs. (Vraylar is a kind of antipsychotic drug.) If you’re age 65 years or older and have psychosis related to dementia, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vraylar.
• Diabetes. Vraylar may cause high blood sugar levels. If you already have diabetes, taking this medication could make your condition worse. If you have diabetes and take Vraylar, your doctor will likely recommend changes to your diabetes treatment plan.
• Cholesterol problems. Vraylar may cause changes in your cholesterol or triglyceride levels. If you already have cholesterol problems, taking the drug could worsen your condition. If you have cholesterol problems and take Vraylar, your doctor will likely recommend changes to your cholesterol treatment plan.
• Seizures. Vraylar may increase the risk of seizures, especially if you’ve had seizures in the past. If you have had seizures or epilepsy, talk with your doctor before taking Vraylar. They can discuss the pros and cons of the available treatment options with you.
• Older adults. If you’re age 65 years or older, you may be more likely to have certain side effects of Vraylar. Some examples include falls, dizziness, heatstroke, and movement problems. Another example is orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing or sitting up). If you’re in this age group, your doctor will likely give you a lower dosage of Vraylar than usual. They’ll also monitor you closely for side effects during the treatment.
• Severe liver or kidney problems. It isn’t known for sure if Vraylar is safe for people who have severe liver or kidney problems. Your doctor can help determine if a different medication is a better fit for you.
• Low white blood cell levels. Vraylar may cause your levels of white blood cells to become lower than usual. If your level has been low in the past, tell your doctor before taking Vraylar. They’ll likely order a blood test to help determine whether Vraylar is a safe option for you.
• Stroke or heart disease. Vraylar may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing or sitting up). If you have heart disease or have had a stroke, taking Vraylar may worsen your condition. Your doctor can help determine if Vraylar is right for you.
• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vraylar or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Vraylar. Ask them what other medications may be better options for you.

Vraylar and alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Vraylar could increase your risk of certain side effects of the drug. This is because alcohol and Vraylar may cause some of the same side effects, such as nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, and sleepiness.

Drinking alcohol can also worsen certain symptoms of mental health conditions, such as bipolar depression.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe to drink while you take Vraylar.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Here’s some information about Vraylar, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.

Pregnancy. Vraylar may not be safe to take while pregnant. The drug’s use during pregnancy hasn’t been studied.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They’ll explain the risks and benefits of Vraylar.

If you take Vraylar during pregnancy, consider joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information about the safety of antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy. To learn more about this pregnancy registry, talk with your doctor. You can also call 866-961-2388, or visit the registry’s website.

Breastfeeding. It’s not known if Vraylar is safe to take while breastfeeding. The drug’s effects on breast milk and children who are breastfed haven’t been studied.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They’ll help you decide on a treatment or feeding plan that’s right for you and your child.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Vraylar. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking Vraylar

Vraylar comes as a capsule that you swallow. The drug comes in four strengths: 1.5 milligrams (mg), 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg.

You’ll take Vraylar at around the same time each day. You may take your doses with or without food.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

• have large print
• use braille
• contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you have trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Vraylar in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Taking Vraylar with other drugs

It’s common for doctors to prescribe Vraylar along with other kinds of medications. These can vary, depending on the condition being treated. Some examples include:

• antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL)
• other antipsychotics, such as risperidone (Risperdal)
• mood stabilizers, such as lithium
• anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine (Lamictal)

If you have questions about taking Vraylar with other drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Questions about taking Vraylar

Here are some common questions and answers about taking Vraylar.

• Can Vraylar capsules be opened, chewed, or split? Vraylar comes as a capsule that you take by mouth. It’s meant to be swallowed whole. It isn’t known whether it’s safe to open the capsules. If you have trouble swallowing pills, talk with your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment option.
• Should I take Vraylar with food? Food doesn’t affect Vraylar. You may take your doses with or without food.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Vraylar and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

• Before your appointment, write down your questions, such as:
  • How will Vraylar affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
• Bring someone with you to your appointment if it will help you feel more comfortable.
• If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Check out this article for a detailed comparison of Vraylar and Latuda. To learn more and find out which drug is right for your condition, ask your doctor.

Here’s a summary of some key features of these medications.

Do not take more Vraylar than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this may lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

• feeling very sleepy
• orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing or sitting up)

What to do in case you take too much Vraylar

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Vraylar. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have certain mental health conditions, your doctor may prescribe Vraylar for you. They can tell you more about the pros and cons of Vraylar, and other treatments for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

When you’re considering taking Vraylar, it’s important to ask your doctor any questions you may have. Here are some questions to get your conversation started:

• Do my other medical conditions increase my risk of side effects from Vraylar?
• Should I stop taking any of my other medications when I start Vraylar treatment?
• Can I take Vraylar with vitamins?
• Is it safe for me to drive while taking Vraylar?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

Do doctors prescribe Vraylar along with Adderall? If so, is it safe to take them at the same time?

Anonymous

A:

Doctors usually do not prescribe Vraylar along with stimulant medications, such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall).

This is because Adderall may worsen symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, which Vraylar is used to treat. For example, Adderall may cause new or worsening manic episodes or disorganized speech or thoughts. (During a manic episode, you may feel “up” or extremely energetic.)

In addition, taking Adderall together with Vraylar could increase your risk of certain side effects from Vraylar. This includes akathisia, which is feeling restless and an intense urge to move around, mainly in your legs. It also includes tremor (repeated movements of a body part, which you can’t control).

The manufacturer of Vraylar hasn’t reported any interactions between Vraylar and Adderall. But if you take Adderall, it’s best to talk with your doctor before you start to take Vraylar. They can help determine if it’s safe to take the drugs together. If necessary, they can suggest other treatment options.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Alcohol and coronavirus: fiction and facts

Myths about alcohol and COVID-19

Drinking alcohol contributes to the destruction of the COVID-19 virus.

This is not true. Conversely, if a person becomes infected with the virus, alcohol can increase the risk to their health. Alcohol (at a concentration of at least 60 percent) can be effective in disinfecting the skin, but it does not have a disinfecting effect when ingested.

When drinking strong alcoholic beverages, the virus particles contained in the inhaled air are destroyed. nine0005

Nothing like that. Alcohol does not destroy the viral particles contained in the inhaled air, does not provide disinfection of the mouth and throat, and is in no way a way to protect against the virus.

Drinking alcohol (in the form of beer, wine, distilled spirits or herbal spirits) strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance to the virus.

And this is a delusion. Alcohol just weakens the human immune system, which means it cannot increase the body's resistance to the virus. Moreover, it is known that alcohol has a harmful effect on almost every organ of our body. Overall, the evidence suggests that there is no “safe level of alcohol consumption” and that health risks actually increase with every drink. nine0007

Alcohol helps to cope with stress.

Quite the contrary - it is well known that alcohol only exacerbates panic, anxiety and depression, as well as other mental disorders, which in isolation can even lead to suicide. In addition, alcohol can increase aggressiveness and lead to domestic violence, which is especially difficult in a situation where people live in cramped conditions and family members have nowhere to hide from a drunken abuser.

Do's and don'ts during the COVID-19 pandemic

The WHO recommends that you completely stop drinking alcohol, and here's why.

Only in a sober state will you be able to maintain vigilance, speed of reactions and actions and clarity of mind when making decisions that concern you personally, your family members and your environment. It hardly needs explaining how important it is to remain alert and clear of mind when it comes to health, taking strict precautions, and perhaps helping loved ones.

If you really can't live without alcohol, reduce its amount to a minimum and do not bring yourself to a state of intoxication.

If you also smoke, you double the risk to your health: Smoking can make COVID-19 worse. If you smoke indoors, you endanger the health of your family.

Important information about coronavirus and the latest news

Never mix alcoholic beverages with drugs, even if they are so-called “natural” or non-prescription drugs. Alcohol can reduce their effectiveness or, conversely, enhance the effect of drugs to such an extent that they are dangerous to health.

Do not drink alcohol if you are taking medications that affect the central nervous system (eg, painkillers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, etc.), as drinking alcohol can depress liver function and cause liver failure and other serious health problems. nine0007

If you work remotely, act like you're at work and resist the temptation to have a drink during lunch because you still have work to do.

To avoid the temptation to overdrink, do not store large quantities of alcohol at home.

WHO also recommends avoiding alcohol advertising on television and other media and social media. Try to maintain your usual daily routine, focus on what you can control and try to maintain a sense of presence in the here and now. This can be helped by daily physical activity, doing things you love, and relaxation techniques. In case of infection with COVID-19Let health care workers know that you drink alcohol to help them take the appropriate steps to keep you healthy.

And remember the main thing: alcohol will by no means protect you from COVID-19.

ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY - Outpatient medical facility

The fact that you can not drink alcohol during pregnancy is known to most. However, different situations can arise in life: one woman is planning a pregnancy, continuing to drink alcohol on holidays in order to avoid uncomfortable questions; another drinks a glass of wine, unaware that she is already pregnant; the third during pregnancy cannot cope with the desire to drink beer, believing that "a little bit is possible." Let's look at these situations in more detail. nine0007

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy planning.

Alcohol is a toxin that adversely affects the human reproductive system. In women, alcohol consumption leads to disruption of the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance, which significantly affects the ability to conceive. There are also opinions that even episodic alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the eggs, leading to their inferiority. Also, alcohol consumption affects the male reproductive system, significantly reducing the number of sperm capable of fertilization. Therefore, a couple planning a pregnancy should stop drinking alcohol at least 3 months in advance in order to increase the likelihood of conception. nine0007

Alcohol consumption in the first weeks after conception.

Without a special examination, a woman usually discovers the fact of pregnancy at 3 weeks after conception, when the next menstruation does not come. By this time, the embryo has already firmly attached to the uterine cavity and began to receive nutrition from the mother's blood. If negative factors, including alcohol, affect him before the moment of attachment, then this will lead to his rejection and death, and he will simply leave the uterus with the next menstruation. Thus, a woman may not know that she was pregnant. nine0007

According to most scientists, if alcohol did not disrupt the attachment process and the embryo continued to develop, then this would not lead to the formation of malformations in it. Thus, alcohol accidentally drunk during the first two weeks after conception will either lead to the termination of pregnancy or will not affect its further development.

Alcohol use in early pregnancy.

As mentioned above, as early as the 3rd week after conception, the embryo begins to come into contact with maternal blood. This means that all the substances in the mother's blood come to him. including ethyl alcohol. From the 3rd to the 13th week of development, the laying of all the main systems of the body of the unborn child occurs and the effect of alcohol no longer leads to rejection and death of the embryo, but to the formation of malformations and deformities of the nervous, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. nine0007

Alcohol use in late pregnancy.

The negative impact of alcohol on the course of pregnancy is observed after the 13th week. Ethanol and its decay products lead to spasm of the vessels of the placenta and umbilical cord, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, leading to a delay in the development of the fetus, disruption of its nervous system and brain.

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