A lot of us are walking around with pill combos in our handbags we have no idea could seriously damage our health – or even be lethal.
READ MORE: 4 Signs You’re Becoming Addicted To Those Meds You Keep Taking
In some cases, doubling (or tripling) up on prescriptions is necessary – but the wrong combo could have critical consequences, says epidemiologist Dr Leonard Paulozzi. Beware these potentially toxic matches and always ask your doctor before mixing…
SSRIs + Opioids (Antidepressants And Painkillers)
Some antidepressants work by increasing brain levels of the “happy hormone” serotonin. Certain painkillers can have the same effect – leading to way too much of a good thing. Sky-high serotonin levels can cause agitation, high body temperature and rapid heart and breathing rates.
Statins + Fluconazole (Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs + Antifungal Medication)
Anyone who’s had a yeast infection (75 percent of you) is likely familiar with fluconazole. And statins are among the world’s most prescribed drugs, making this a highly likely duo that could cause muscle weakness or kidney damage.
READ MORE: This Natural Antidepressant Could Make You Feel Way Less Anxious
Opioids + Benzodiazepines (Painkillers + Anti-Anxiety Meds)
Both types of drugs act as depressants, which can spell sweet relief if you’re super-anxious or in serious pain – or super-anxious about being in serious pain (think dental surgery). But the pills can also lower heart and breathing rates, sometimes too much.
Opioids + Benzodiazepines + Carisoprodol (Painkillers + Anti-Anxiety Meds + Muscle Relaxers)
Most docs know this combo could turn deadly. Yet a patient might still find herself taking all three – potentially prescribed by different doctors – if, say, she threw out her back and is fighting intense stress at work. Always tell each doc you see what other medication you’ve been prescribed to avoid a potentially serious situation.
