Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications Tool Kit ... - Home

MODULE 10: COMBINING DRUGS
Each of the drugs described in this training
program can seriously affect skills that
are essential to performing your job duties
safely. When combined, the effects of each
drug are intensified and may generate an
effect greater than the sum of the two drugs
when taken individually. The amount of
interaction between the drugs and their
combined effects may be unpredictable and
can be deadly. Even combining two seemingly
harmless drugs can have disastrous
effects.
The dangers are not only associated with
illegal drugs, but also with prescription
drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and alcohol.
Before accepting a prescription from a physician,
make sure the doctor is aware of any
other medications (prescription or otherwise)
that you are taking. Be sure to take
the medications as prescribed and read the
warning labels for prohibitions regarding
use of alcohol or other drugs. If you are directed
to make more than one prescription at
the same time or if you are simultaneously
taking an OTC, ask about the way the drugs
will interact, the anticipated effects, and impact
on skill levels.
Because alcohol is a depressant, when it
is combined with other depressants (tranquilizers
and barbiturates), the effects can be
deadly. Since most people do not think of
alcohol as a drug, but rather as a beverage,
many people are not aware of the dangers.
Alcohol should not be consumed while taking
any other medication.
Many times a marijuana joint is used as
the means of taking other illegal drugs.
Marijuana is also commonly used in combination
with alcohol. These combinations
magnify the effects of each other and result
in unpredictable behavior, impaired skill
levels, and unnecessary risks to health and
safety. The risks become even greater when
the user is not aware of the presence of the
other drugs and is caught by surprise with
more than he/she bargained for.
Combining cocaine with alcohol or other
depressants results in significant physical
trauma as the two drugs are giving the body
two opposite messages (i.e., speed up and
slow down). Cocaine mixed with other
stimulants greatly intensifies the effects of
both drugs. The results are increased blood
pressure and heart rate often resulting in
heart attack, stroke, brain seizure and/or
death. The human body can only take so
much abuse.
The resulting effects on job performance
and skill levels will be more dramatic and
longer lasting with the use of a combination
of drugs. Attempting to perform basic skills
may become very difficult and dangerous,
compromising public and personal safety.
Combining Drugs 47