I'm not an expert. I've read that those on eldepryl should not drink alcohol. Eldepryl causes an increase in alcohol feeling--drowsiness... The cold medicine you mention is Alka selter PM. The PM probably means that there is an antihistimine in the medication which also is not supposed to be taken with alcohol--due to increased drowsiness and drunken feeling. The antihistimine makes you drowsy and lets you sleep better at night. Perhaps the mixing of antihistimine and eldepryl could explain the reaction your husband felt. take care Deanna