Dr. Kanani Darshan Jayantilal
Family Physician
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I have reduced my dependency on alcohol. The usage has dropped from more than 16 units per day to just three units. Should I stop now or should I continue to taper? I have also been prescribed three medications for the same. Zopiclone for sleep, Pregabalin for the nervous system and to prevent alcoholic seizures, Propranolol to treat withdrawal symptoms Are these three medicines safe to take together? Please help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I went through your query and understood your concern. It is good to hear that you have taken steps to reduce your alcohol intake, and it is important to do so gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms. And regarding medications, they all come with their respective side effects, but combining them will not cause any extra side effects. So they are safe to use together. Regarding stopping alcohol, if you have successfully tapered down to three units per day, it is generally safe to stop drinking at this point. However, it is still possible that you may experience some withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can include tremors, confusion, and hallucinations. I suggest you continue taking all three medications and Ibuprofen (painkiller) if needed for headaches. And you can try to stop drinking at this point. In case of severe withdrawal symptoms, I suggest you take a tablet of Chlordiazepoxide (benzodiazepine). Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your reply. I was afraid of the prescription but I am feeling less anxious after taking them together. I appreciate your reassurance that they could be taken together. I am feeling much better. However, I am afraid that the pills themselves are addictive. I want to quit drinking alcohol permanently. Should I just follow the prescribed regimen until the end and stop immediately for the best results? Please help.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Regarding addiction, Zopiclone (sedative) is the drug you should be watching out for. But it will cause addiction after taking it for six to seven months continuously. So before that, I suggest you stop it abruptly. The other two drugs would not cause dependency. So, you can continue taking the rest of the medications as prescribed. Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them, and take medicines with their consent. I hope this has helped you. Thanks and regards.
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