Mixing Ivermectin and Alcohol Withdrawal, Interactions, & Effects

When combined with ivermectin, alcohol can raise blood levels or exacerbate side effects.


Mixing Ivermectin and Alcohol

When combined with ivermectin, alcohol can raise blood levels or exacerbate side effects. Skin rash, swelling, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, seizure (convulsions), shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling can all result from this.

According to estimates, only 13% of the 18 million Americans with alcohol use problems receive specialist care for their addiction. The few drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat alcohol use disorders probably play a role in this low treatment rate. This problem is made worse because the treatment effectiveness of the few available medications is only moderate.

The FDA has approved the semi-synthetic macrocyclic lactone ivermectin as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic. In contrast, the activity of ivermectin on a non-mammalian, glutamate-gated inhibitory chloride channel is thought to be responsible for its antiparasitic actions. Recent research reveals that ivermectin can help people drink less alcohol by blocking the depressive effects of alcohol. Ivermectin levels required to exert these anti-alcohol effects seem to be well-tolerated, safe, and devoid of any signs of abuse potential. Ivermectin, therefore, appears to be a potential, innovative treatment for alcohol use disorders, but it should not be mixed to avoid the side effects.

What is Ivermectin?

Ivermectin treats strongyloidiasis (threadworm infection with a roundworm that enters the body through the skin, moves through the airways, and lives in the intestines). Onchocerciasis is also treated with ivermectin (river blindness; infection with a type of roundworm that may cause rash, bumps under the skin, and vision problems, including vision loss or blindness). Ivermectin belongs to the group of drugs known as anthelmintics. By eliminating the worms in the intestines, it heals strongyloidiasis. Onchocerciasis is treated by eradicating the growing worms.

Additionally, scabies, head or pubic lice, and other roundworm diseases are occasionally treated with ivermectin (an itchy skin condition caused by infestation with small mites that live under the skin). The dangers of using this drug for your illness should be discussed with your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

How Should Ivermectin Be Used?

Ivermectin is available as an oral tablet. A single dose is typically taken on an empty stomach with water. If you are using ivermectin to treat onchocerciasis, you may need to take further doses 3, 6, or 12 months later to keep your infection under control. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain instructions on your prescription label that you need clarification on. Ivermectin should be taken as prescribed. Never take it in larger or smaller amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

When taking ivermectin to treat strongyloidiasis, you must undergo a stool examination at least three times in the first three months to determine whether the infection has subsided. Your doctor will likely advise you to take more ivermectin if your infection has not resolved.

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Alcohol Misuse Statistics

An estimated 95,000 people (approximately 68,000 men and 27,000 women) die from alcohol-related causes annually, making alcohol the third-leading preventable cause of death in the United States.


50%

In 2019, nearly half of overdose deaths involved multiple drugs and alcohol.

Source: CDC

250+

250+ American lives are lost to multiple drugs and alcohol every day.

Source: CDC

5465645

Alcohol contributes to about 18.5% of ED visits and 22.1% of overdose deaths related to prescription drugs.

Source: NIAAA


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Mixing Ivermectin and Alcohol can rise blood levels, or its adverse effects of Ivermectin can be exacerbated by using alcohol with the medication
Mixing Ivermectin and Alcohol can raise blood levels, or its adverse effects of Ivermectin can be exacerbated by using alcohol with the medication.

Alcohol Ivermectin Relationship

The effectiveness of current pharmacotherapies for alcohol use disorders is poor. Therefore, finding effective alcohol use disorders therapies is crucial for advancing public health. Repositioning, or employing already-approved medications for different indications, is a quick and financially viable method of developing new medicines. For example, an FDA-approved antiparasitic drug called Ivermectin can considerably lower mice’s alcohol consumption, indicating that it can help treat alcohol use disorders in people. This project aims to offer significant clinical proof that Ivermectin can be repositioned as a cutting-edge treatment for alcohol use disorders.

We will also use a well-known set of behavioral paradigms (i.e., alcohol administration and cue exposure). The study’s objectives are to determine (a) whether it is safe to combine moderate doses of alcohol (0.08 g/dl) with Ivermectin (30 mg), as well as (b) whether Ivermectin, in comparison to a placebo, lessens the reinforcing effects of alcohol during alcohol administration and lessens alcohol craving during cue exposure.

Ivermectin and Alcohol Side Effects

Ivermectin’s side effects could occur. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

  • Dizziness
  • Reduced appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Belly aches or bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Weakness
  • Body part shaking that is uncontrollable
  • Pain in the chest

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Ivermectin and Alcohol Fact Sheet

Ivermectin

Ivermectin (Stromectol) is a medication used to treat parasitic worm infections in rural tropical areas. Serious side effects can occur depending on the type of worm being treated.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a depressant of the central nervous system. This means it is a drug that reduces brain activity. It can alter your mood, behavior, and self-control. It can interfere with memory and clear thinking. Alcohol can impair your coordination and physical control as well.

Mixing Ivermectin and alcohol can raise blood levels, or its adverse effects of Ivermectin can be exacerbated by using alcohol with the medication.

Ivermectin Information

COMMON BRANDS

Stromectol

DRUG CLASS

Antiparasitic

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CLASSIFICATION

Not a controlled medication

GENERIC STATUS

Lower-cost generic available

AVAILABILITY

Prescription only

The effectiveness of current pharmacotherapies for alcohol consumption disorders is limited. Therefore, one crucial public health goal is the creation of potent alcohol use disorder treatments. Repositioning, or employing already-approved medications for different indications, is a quick and financially viable method of developing new medicines.

Ivermectin with Alcohol Interactions

According to the current pilot trial results, Ivermectin (30 mg QD) was safe when combined with an intoxicating amount of alcohol. Still, it was ineffective at reducing alcohol cravings or modifying subjects’ subjective reactions to alcohol. Therefore, we caution against taking the pilot study’s null initial effectiveness results as rejecting Ivermectin as a potential medication for Alcohol-Use Disorder.

The study and its overall findings are encouraging for several reasons: they support the safety of Ivermectin, identify methodological changes that future studies should use when evaluating this medicine for Alcohol-Use Disorder, and serve as outstanding examples of translational studies (e.g., higher dosage, additional measures).

Previous studies that found that Ivermectin at doses required to produce the anti-alcohol effects did not cause overt signs of toxicity across a wide range of well-validated behavioral paradigms for assessing sensory, motor, and cognitive competence provide additional support for the possibility of repositioning Ivermectin as an anti-alcohol therapy. When examined using the elevated plus maze and marble burying tests, ivermectin has been found to have effects similar to anxiolytics. However, the same Ivermectin regimen did not have rewarding results in the conditioned place preference test, in contrast to other anxiolytic treatments like benzodiazepines. The latter implied that Ivermectin’s psychotropic effects are unrelated to any possibility for addiction or problems with therapeutic compliance.

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Ivermectin and Alcohol Precautions

Inform your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before using ivermectin, especially if you are allergic to other medications. Inactive chemicals in this product have the potential to trigger allergic reactions or other issues. To learn more, speak with your pharmacist. Before using this drug, inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly any liver problems.

You can feel lightheaded if you take this medication. You may feel more lightheaded after consuming alcohol or cannabis. Till you can do it safely, avoid operating machinery, driving, or doing anything else that requires alertness. Limit your alcohol consumption. Consult your physician if you use marijuana (cannabis). Inform your surgeon or dentist of all the products you use before surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Overdose on Ivermectin Alcohol Combination

Overdose on ivermectin and alcohol symptoms could include:

  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Seizure
  • Headache
  • Tingling in the feet or hands
  • Weakness
  • Inability to coordinate
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Edema of the lower legs, lower arms, hands, feet, ankles, or face

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Can You Drink Alcohol With Ivermectin?

Ivermectin’s blood levels may rise when combined with ethanol, and its adverse effects may also worsen. Some possible side effects are skin rash, swelling, headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, seizures (convulsions), shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling. Informing your doctor about all additional prescriptions you take, including vitamins and herbal remedies, is vital. Without first consulting, your doctor never stops taking any drugs.

Can You Drink Alcohol Alcohol While Taking Ivermectin?

Patients should ideally avoid alcohol on ivermectin therapy to prevent any unwarranted side effects.

How Long After Taking Ivermectin Can I Drink Alcohol?

Ivermectin has a half-life of 12-36 hours in humans, whereas metabolites can last up to three days.

Ivermectin and Alcoholism Treatment

Detoxing in a rehab center where you can access experienced professionals who can manage alcohol detox and withdrawal complications is advisable.  The medically supervised detox processes allow the body to process the alcohol in the system and gently enable the body to be unaccustomed to its dependence.  It is the first stage of alcohol treatment and one you should seek before your addiction gets more acute.

In conclusion, those suffering from addiction for long periods at high use rates usually encounter more severe withdrawal symptoms, making the process more difficult.  Also, the symptoms may seem to get worse through the detox process.  They need constant care and attention to help manage the symptoms. Detoxing from alcohol and addiction treatment is within your reach to ensure your recovery starts on a healthy and safe step.

Contact us today at We Level Up New Jersey if you, your friend, or your family need help with alcoholism.

We Level Up is an accredited Treatment Center. Detoxing from alcohol and addiction treatment is within your reach to ensure your recovery starts on a healthy and safe step.
We Level Up is an accredited Treatment Center. Detoxing from alcohol and addiction treatment is within your reach to ensure your recovery starts on a healthy and safe step.

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