The following list of drug combinations can be very dangerous.
- Opioids combined with SSRI drugs: Opioids are painkillers, and SSRIs are antidepressants. Both types of drugs can work by elevating the levels of serotonin in the body (the hormone that causes happiness). While it may seem like this double-dose of happiness-increasing medication is a good idea, when levels of serotonin become too high, side effects can include a too-rapid heartrate, escalated breathing rates, elevated body temperatures and feelings of agitation. This is often referred to as serotonin syndrome. Too much of a good thing can equal an overdose in this situation.
- Fluconazole combined with statins: Statins are drugs designed to lower cholesterol and are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs. Fluconazole, or Diflucan, is an anti-fungal drug frequently used to treat yeast infections. Together this cocktail is known to damage kidneys and cause muscle weakness.
- Blood thinners combined with NSAIDs: Blood thinners such as Coumadin can be dangerous and even deadly when taken with over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. NSAIDs can increase the blood-thinning effect of Coumadin or a similar drug, causing internal bleeding and possible death.
- Lisinopril combined with potassium: Lisinopril (Prinavil and Zestril are common brand names) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor class used primarily for treating hypertension and congestive heart failure. Potassium is a dietary supplement some people take for various health purposes. Together this combination is capable of causing an elevated risk of hyperkalemia, a dangerous potassium level that can result in heart attack and/or death.
- Opioids and benzodiazepines: Opioids, as mentioned above, are a painkiller, while benzodiazepines are used to treat anxiety disorders. Both drugs have depressant properties and can lower breathing and heart rates to dangerous and deadly levels when combined. If you are taking benzodiazepines and are prescribed a painkiller, it is essential that you let the doctor know what you’re taking for your anxiety so pain medication can be assigned properly and safely.