Multi drug use or poly drug use is the simultaneous use of two or more medicines or drugs which includes alcohol. Drugs taken together may interact in such a way that the effect of the two substances in combination is greater than it would be if they were taken separately. Often, those taking medication are unaware of this vulnerability.

When drugs are taken more than one at a time, one of the following results may occur: first, the effects may be combined or added. This is called the "additive" effect. Second, one drug may increase the effect of the second drug by altering its distribution, its conversion into other chemicals, or its excretion from the body. This is called the "potentiating" effect. A third phenomenon of polydrug use is called the "synergistic" drug interaction (effect). This is different than the "potentiating" effect because one drug does not work on the other. However, the results are similar in that the total effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects. In other words, 2 + 2 = 5!

Combining drugs without medical supervision is very dangerous and can be deadly. If you are going to use alcohol and other drugs in combination, you should know the facts about their effects.

Combined use of cocaine with sedatives is becoming a growing practice. The mixture of cocaine and heroin, often referred to as a speedball, is quite common. Speedballing increases the risk of drug dependency and toxic overdoses. The action of this combination of a central nervous system depressant and stimulant reduces respiratory activity and may produce a temporary lapse of breathing.

All tranquilizers or depressants, taken in combination with other depressants can be lethal. This includes barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol, antidepressants, anticonvulsants or drugs for diabetes.

Overdoses on barbiturates (a depressant) and alcohol (a depressant) in combination are also extremely common. When alcohol is present to any degree a "potentiating" effect may occur. The metabolism of barbiturates may be greatly slowed down. This results in an exaggerated barbiturate effect which, combined with the depressant effect of the alcohol, can easily produce respiratory failure and death.

While combining any drugs can be potentially dangerous, some of the more dangerous combinations of drugs are:

	Barbiturates taken with tranquilizers, alcohol, drugs for high blood pressure, stimulants,     cortisone, painkillers, diuretics, anti-convulsants, or birth control pills.
	Tranquilizers in combination with barbiturates, antihistamines, alcohol, drugs for high     blood pressure, stimulants, antidepressants or painkillers.
	Stimulants in combination with barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol, drugs for high blood     pressure, antidepressants, anti-convulsants, drugs for diabetes, or digitalis.
	Antidepressants in combination with tranquilizers, alcohol, drugs for high blood pressure,     stimulants, diuretics, anticoagulants, or asthma spray.

For further information, contact HealthWorks Peer Education Program at (814) 863-2500 or stop by Room 19/20 Ritenour between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Wellspring from On Drugs, Inc., located at 236 South. Allen Street is accessible 24 hours a day. Their telephone number is (814) 237-5855. Students at campuses other than University Park should consult with their Campus Health Office for local referral information.