Happy St. Patrick’s Day: ADHD and Alcohol, What You Need to Know
Celebrate St. Patrick`s Day the healthy and happy way. What you need to know about alcohol and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications.
Considering celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a festive green beer or two? If you’re taking medication to treat your attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may want to rethink how much alcohol you imbibe, or consider taking a med break for the night. ADHD expert Larry Silver, M.D., says, “Just say ‘no’ to more than one beer or glass of wine. Try nursing a drink and then switching to a non-alcoholic beverage. If you’re unwilling to confine yourself to a single libation, I suggest skipping medication for the night. Those taking longer-acting medications don’t have the same recourse. They remain in your system long after you take them, so talk with your doctor about whether going off long-term medication is wise.”
Note: If you decide not to take medication, you may become hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive, and act inappropriately or engage in risky behaviors.
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