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What to do if…
you realise you may have taken two medicines that should not be combined

Short answer

Call Poison Control (Poison Help) at 1-800-222-1222 right now for expert guidance. If there are severe symptoms, call 911.

Do not do these things

Do not take more doses “until it wears off” or add other meds/supplements/alcohol to try to counteract it.
Do not make yourself vomit or take “cleanses” or laxatives unless Poison Control or a clinician tells you to.
Do not drive if you feel drowsy, dizzy, confused, or unwell.
Do not throw away bottles/blister packs—exact names and strengths matter.
Do not assume it’s safe just because both medicines are common or over-the-counter.

What to do now

Check for emergency red flags (right now). Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, can’t be awakened, has severe chest pain, or is rapidly getting worse.
If it’s not immediately life-threatening, call Poison Control now: 1-800-222-1222. Tell them you may have taken a combination of medicines that shouldn’t be mixed and follow their instructions.
- If you try an online tool (such as via Poison Control websites) and it tells you to call, call right away—mixed medicines often need a live expert.
Collect the key details before/during the call. Put the meds in front of you and note:
- exact names (brand + generic if shown), strength (mg/mcg), and formulation (extended-release, liquid, etc.)
- how much you took of each, and the exact times
- age, approximate weight, pregnancy status, and major conditions (especially liver/kidney disease)
- all current meds/supplements (including cold/flu products)
- symptoms right now (even if mild).
Pause further doses until you’ve spoken to Poison Control (unless told otherwise). If you’re on a medicine where missing a dose may be risky (for example, for seizures), tell Poison Control what it is and when the next dose is due so they can advise safely.
If symptoms begin or change, re-contact or escalate. If you develop breathing trouble, severe sleepiness, fainting, chest pain, or severe confusion, call 911 or go to the ER as directed.
If you’re told to go to urgent care/ER, bring the containers. Take all medicine bottles/blister packs and a written timeline of what you took and when.

What can wait

You do not need to decide today whether to stop a long-term medication permanently—focus on immediate safety and instructions for the next dose.
You do not need to “research interactions” online right now; it can waste time and increase panic.
You do not need to report anything unless Poison Control or a clinician advises it.

Important reassurance

Medication mix-ups happen, especially when adding new prescriptions or using multi-symptom OTC products. Poison Control exists for exactly this situation—even if you have no symptoms yet—and getting advice early can prevent avoidable harm.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for the next hour or two. Any changes to your medication plan should be based on Poison Control and/or your clinician’s instructions.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you think this is an emergency or symptoms are severe, call 911 right away.

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What to do if…you realise you may have taken two medicines that should not be combined