Aspirin and alcohol

Factual Questions
1

Could somebody please settle an argument that has been going on around here lately?

One acquaintance insists that combining aspirin with alcohol produces some kind of “wierd psychological reaction” :confused: and is generally not a good thing to do.

Another acquaintance counters that there is no dangerous or negative effect of taking both of them at the same time in moderation, and that if there is any effect it’s just placebo.

Since they are both quite experienced at drinking (responsibly), I don’t know who to trust. A search of this forum revealed that other analgesics should not be combined with booze, and that aspirin can be taken to cure a hangover, but I want to know specifically whether it’s safe to drink if the aspirin has already been taken. What is the Straight Dope on this subject?

2

I know that mixing acetaminophen (Tylenol) and alcohol can produce some very nasty physical effects. I know I’ve had both alcohol and aspirin in my system at the same time before and didn’t experience any weird psychological effects, other than the normal weirdness that comes with drunkeness. YMMV and IANAD.

3

Acording to the American Heart Association, the FDA have cautioned against drinking alcohol if you take aspirin regularly.