Possibly. More than 150 medications interact harmfully with alcohol. interactions may result in increased risk of illness, injury, and even death. Alcohol’s effects are heightened by medicines that depress the central nervous system, such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and some painkillers. In addition, medicines for certain disorders, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease, can have harmful interactions with alcohol. If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can safely drink alcohol. (See also “Publications,” Harmful Interactions; Mixing Alcohol with Medicines; Alcohol Alert No. 27: Alcohol-Medication Interactions.)