The holiday period is characterized by changes in daily habits, rhythm of life, diet and alcohol consumption, which can significantly affect the safe and rational use of medications.
This was stated to "Vijesti" by the Institute for Medicines and Medical Devices, explaining that during the holidays the risk of improper use of medicines and self-medication increases. This, they claim, can result in the occurrence of adverse reactions, as well as clinically significant interactions between medicines and other substances.
They say that medications should be used rationally and responsibly, exclusively on the advice of a healthcare professional, and in accordance with the instructions for the medication. They claim that they should not be shared with others or combined with alcohol without prior consultation with a doctor or pharmacist, and that being informed and cautious contribute to a safe, healthy and unharmed holiday.
"Many people take medication on their own during the holidays, especially cold and flu medications, painkillers, or tranquilizers. These medications often contain multiple active ingredients, so their improper use can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or liver damage, especially if taken in larger doses or in combination with alcohol," says the Institute, which he runs. Snežana Mugoš.
They remind that alcohol consumption may increase during the holidays, so it is important to know that it can affect the effects of certain medications.
"The combination of alcohol with tranquilizers is particularly risky. Tranquilizers, such as bromazepam, diazepam, alprazolam and lorazepam, act on the central nervous system and have a sedative effect. Alcohol has a similar effect, which is why their combination can lead to an increased and unpredictable effect. Side effects that may occur after the simultaneous use of alcohol and tranquilizers are severe drowsiness, decreased concentration, slowed reactions, dizziness, impaired coordination and judgment, as well as a drop in blood pressure. In more severe cases, breathing disorders, heart failure, loss of consciousness and serious health complications can occur," the Institute points out.
They also explain that, in addition, certain medications can significantly affect the ability to drive and operate machinery.
"Drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and slowed reactions can occur when using tranquilizers, some allergy medications, cold medications and certain analgesics, especially if alcohol is consumed at the same time. The possibility of interaction of many herbal medicines (such as herbal medicines for calming, relieving symptoms of dementia or relieving gastrointestinal problems) with alcohol should not be ignored. Therefore, it is important to always read the instructions for the medicine carefully and avoid driving if it is indicated that the medicine affects psychophysical abilities," the Institute pointed out.
This institution said that antibiotics are often misused during the holidays, especially for cold and flu symptoms, which are most often of viral origin.
"Antibiotics only work on bacterial infections and should not be taken without medical advice. Their improper use can cause stomach upset, allergic reactions and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, which is a serious problem for the entire society. Special attention should be paid to combining antibiotics and alcohol. With some antibiotics, such as metronidazole, simultaneous alcohol consumption can cause unpleasant reactions such as nausea, vomiting, headache and facial flushing, which is why it is recommended to completely avoid alcohol consumption during therapy with drugs containing metronidazole," the Institute emphasized.
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