They instead use them as a preventative medication for those with a higher risk of developing clots. Others block proteins or enzymes that bind blood cells and platelets. Another type of blood thinner also works to keep platelets from sticking together or to blood vessel walls. If your doctor does give you the okay to drink alcohol while taking blood thinners, do so in moderation. And even then, it’s best to avoid drinking while taking any medications. No material on this site, whether from our doctors or the community, is a substitute for seeking personalized professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard advice from a qualified healthcare professional or delay seeking advice because of something you read on this website.

Even if most people can combine a small amount of alcohol and blood thinners, you might have unique circumstances that would prevent you from doing so safely. In fact, most blood-thinning medications will specifically advise against mixing them with alcohol. Blood thinners can be dangerous, increasing your risk of severe bleeding during an accident or with an injury. Their use must be carefully monitored to ensure that the blood does not become too thin. Additionally, if you have an underlying health condition like heart disease or high blood pressure , mixing alcohol with your medications can put you at risk for complications. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.

Does Alcohol Thin Your Blood?

But moderation is key – and doctors don’t recommend drinking alcohol to protect against DVT. Beyond your blood platelets,abusing alcohol can significantly harm your health, including liver damage, high blood pressure, nerve damage and depression. In astudy by The Recovery Village, heavy drinkers were also 73% more likely to experience a seizure and 48% more likely to have cancer than light or moderate drinkers. Mixing Naproxen and alcoholincreases the risk of damage to the stomach lining and makes internal bleeding and stomach ulcers more likely to develop. There is also a risk that mixing these two medications could thin your blood excessively. Although alcohol reduces blood clotting, it should never be used as a replacement for anticoagulants.

If your doctor says that it is OK to combine these two substances, you should still only use alcohol in moderation and monitor for potential bleeding. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic blood thinners and alcohol research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

What are blood thinners?

Bruising may also occur more easily while using alcohol because it thins the blood. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.

If you are taking a blood thinner, talk to your doctor before taking any medication that has aspirin in it. Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke. Yes, alcoholcan actas a blood thinner to an extent, which is why it can have a negative effect when too much is consumed with blood thinner medications. However, it doesn’t thin blood enough to successfully combat blood clots the way medicine would, so it cannot be used to treat blood clots.

Blood Tests

The blood test helps your doctor decide how much medicine you need. To help you learn about your medicine, your doctor has given you this booklet to read. Other possible side effects can depend on which type of blood thinner that you are taking. Keep in mind that you should not take any vitamins or supplements without speaking to your doctor. If you’re https://ecosoberhouse.com/ taking a blood-thinning medication, do not take vitamin K or any other supplements without consulting your doctor first. The myth may have started because people who drink beer are often seen as relaxed and laid back, which could be interpreted as having thinner blood. These medications must be taken exactly as directed to work safely and effectively.

• PE occurs when there’s a blood clot in one of the pulmonary arteries of the lungs, which typically happens when the clot moves from another location such as the legs or arms.
• For example, some OTC products can make the effects of alcohol more intense.
• And people with AFib who have a stroke are more likely to experience a permanent disability.
• Reach out to one of our understanding team members today to learn more about how we can help you achieve a healthier, alcohol-free life in recovery.
• You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.
• People often worry about how routine medicines like blood thinner pills will affect their lifestyles.

Alcohol can reduce some of the “stickiness” of red blood cells, which can lower the odds of blood clotting. Blood clots in thickened arteries or veins are often what contributes to heart attacks and strokes. By reducing the likelihood that these blood cells will stick together and form a clot, alcohol may then “thin” the blood and help to prevent cardiac complications. Acting as a blood thinner, alcohol can then also lower the risk for a stroke, which is when there is a reduced flow of blood to the brain due to blocked or narrowed arteries.

Drinking alcohol can sometimes be a touchy issue between patients and doctors. But it’s a topic you should talk about with yours when you have deep vein thrombosis. Detoxing from alcohol can seem daunting, but it is the first and arguably most important step in becoming sober. Alcohol detox can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, but with professional help can be a safe experience. Alcohol can affect every part of your body, impacting the health of each body system when used heavily or for prolonged periods of time. It is important to understand exactly how alcohol can affect your body so that you can be aware of changes that occur. In some cases—if you experience bleeding gums or bruising, for example—you can simply call your doctor.