Tranquilizers - Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Reactions with Other Drugs or Substances

Tranquilizers can be used with other medications, but only under a doctor's supervision. A person should not use tranquilizers along with similar drugs that affect the brain and nervous system. These include drugs such as other tranquilizers, prescription pain medications, some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, and alcohol. Even herbal remedies such as valerian may intensify the sedative effects of barbiturates, so these substances should not be taken together. Combining them can result in an overdose or a serious accident.

Use of tranquilizers among women gained popularity in the 1960s. Some took too many pills and overdosed. Here, doctors pump a womans stomach to save her life. Photo by Ralph Morse/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images.
Use of tranquilizers among women gained popularity in the 1960s. Some took too many pills and overdosed. Here, doctors pump a woman's stomach to save her life. Photo by Ralph Morse/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images.