NutriStack
Alcohol and Diazepam, contraindicated.
Alcohol and diazepam together produce additive psychomotor impairment, slowed reactions, memory problems, and excessive sedation. Diazepam and its active metabolites last a long time, so alcohol can interact the same day and sometimes the next day. The combination is especially unsafe before driving or in people at fall or respiratory risk.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Pair type
- Contraindicated
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Strong
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Contraindicated · Strong evidence
Contraindicated
What is happening. Alcohol and diazepam together produce additive psychomotor impairment, slowed reactions, memory problems, and excessive sedation. Diazepam and its active metabolites last a long time, so alcohol can interact the same day and sometimes the next day. The combination is especially unsafe before driving or in people at fall or respiratory risk.
Mechanism. Diazepam enhances GABA-A receptor opening frequency, while alcohol enhances inhibitory GABAergic tone and impairs excitatory neurotransmission. Their overlapping pharmacodynamic effects deepen sedation and coordination impairment.
Recommendation. Do not drink alcohol while taking diazepam. Avoid driving if you have taken diazepam and consumed alcohol within the same day. Get urgent help if you develop severe drowsiness, confusion, or slow breathing.
Sources (2)
- Palva ES, Linnoila M, Saario I, Mattila MJ. Acute and subacute effects of diazepam on psychomotor skills: interaction with alcohol. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh). 1979;45(4):257-264. PMID 393076
- Ingum J, Bjørnstad S, Mørland J. Relationship between drug plasma concentrations and psychomotor performance after single doses of ethanol and benzodiazepines. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1992;107(1):11-17. PMID 1589558
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Alcohol and Diazepam are in the same stack, this pair applies −25 to your Stack Score (per scored contraindication row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
Check your full routine
One pair was the worked example. NutriStack runs every pair in your stack at once.
Drop in your supplements and prescriptions and the public database surfaces every interaction, synergy, timing rule, and contraindication, every one linked to its primary source.