It’s natural to want quick relief and recovery when you are sick. Paxlovid, an antiviral medication prescribed to treat COVID-19, has become a go-to treatment for many high-risk individuals. But if you’re also someone who drinks alcohol, you might be wondering: Can you mix alcohol and Paxlovid?
The short answer: It’s not recommended. While there’s no documented direct interaction between alcohol and Paxlovid, the combination can still pose significant health risks. In particular, for those in recovery or living with substance use disorders.
What Is Paxlovid?
Paxlovid is a prescription antiviral medication developed to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 in people at high risk of developing severe illness. It’s a combination of two drugs: nirmatrelvir (which blocks the virus from replicating) and ritonavir (which helps nirmatrelvir stay active in the body longer).
Paxlovid is usually taken over a five-day course and must be started within five days of symptom onset. Common side effects can include:
- Altered taste
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- High blood pressure
- Liver enzyme changes
Since Paxlovid works through the liver and affects how other substances are metabolized, this is where the concern with alcohol comes in.
The Risks of Mixing Alcohol and Paxlovid
No Direct Interaction, But Not Risk-Free
While there are no official warnings against drinking alcohol while on Paxlovid, combining the two isn’t without risk. Ritonavir, one of Paxlovid’s components, affects liver enzymes, specifically CYP3A4, which plays a key role in metabolizing many substances, including alcohol.
Amplified Side Effects
Alcohol can intensify some of Paxlovid’s side effects:
- Nausea and stomach upset
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Liver strain
- Dehydration
When your body is already fighting off a viral infection, adding alcohol into the mix makes it work even harder and may prolong your illness or recovery time.
Liver Function Overload
Both alcohol and Paxlovid are processed by the liver. Consuming them together increases the burden on this vital organ and can raise the risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage). This is especially concerning for individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or those who regularly drink alcohol.
Alcohol and COVID-19 Recovery Don’t Mix
Even outside of the interaction with Paxlovid, alcohol is known to suppress the immune system, disrupt sleep, and lead to dehydration all of which are detrimental to recovery. Consuming alcohol while sick may worsen symptoms, delay healing, and reduce the overall effectiveness of treatment.
In essence, your body needs rest, nutrients, hydration, and immune support. Alcohol works against all of these.
When Alcohol Use Is a Bigger Concern
If you find it difficult to stop drinking even when you’re ill or on medication, it could be a sign of a deeper issue. For those struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), a health crisis can expose the impact substance use has on overall well-being.
At Premiere Addiction Recovery, we understand how complex addiction can be, especially when it’s intertwined with physical health problems. If you or someone you love is concerned about their drinking, now may be the time to seek help.
What Do Experts Say?
Medical professionals recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while taking medications like Paxlovid. Even if a drug doesn’t have a clearly defined alcohol interaction, alcohol can still:
- Reduce the effectiveness of treatment
- Exacerbate side effects
- Complicate underlying conditions
When in doubt, consult your prescribing physician or pharmacist. The safest course is to prioritize your recovery and hold off on drinking until your treatment is complete.
Conclusion
Mixing alcohol and Paxlovid isn’t officially prohibited, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Both substances place stress on the liver and can interact in ways that hinder your body’s ability to recover. The risks far outweigh any perceived benefit.
If alcohol use is interfering with your health, treatment, or quality of life, you don’t have to face it alone. At Premiere Addiction Recovery, a drug rehab in Florida, we’re here to support your journey to healing physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Need help with alcohol dependency? Reach out to Premiere Addiction Recovery today.
