I am a 25 year old male weighing 162 pounds and approximately 6 months
ago I began a fitness/exercise routine (lifting weights, etc.).  At
the same time, I also began taking two protein supplements: Labrada
Lean Body Breakfast (bananas & cream) and Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey
Gold Standard (chocolate).  I take the Labrada nearly every day, and
the O.N. after workouts.

Prior to this, I was what I would consider a "normal" alcohol drinker:
if I went to a bar and had 5 beers (Budweiser) or 3 mixed drinks
(Seagram's 7 and 7 up), I might get drunk or otherwise "have a buzz",
but otherwise I would feel okay and would be fine the next day.  I
wouldn't get "trashed" or physically sick.

Ever since I started taking these supplements, though, I have had
adverse reactions to drinking alcohol.  The standard reaction would be
that I would feel generally uncomfortable after having a minimal
number of drinks (e.g. 2 beers) and would have trouble sleeping.  I
would be generally restless and unable to fall asleep and would lie
awake even though I felt tired.  On one such occasion I had two beers
and felt sick to my stomach and vomited, although the only
characteristic that has been present every time has been the
restlessness, inability to sleep, and overall feeling of
unpleasantness/uneasiness.

I must emphasize that both before and after the introduction of the
protein supplements, I drank the exact same alcohols (draft Budweiser
or Budweiser in a bottle and Seagram's 7 whiskey).  I have experience
drinking alcohol and am well aware of when I am drunk, hungover, and
"trashed" to the point of vomiting.  If there's anything I'm certain
of, it's the fact that drinking two 12 oz. beers on a "full" stomach
will not cause me to be inebriated.

I am looking for a detailed explanation that will rationalize to me
why I am having this problem.  I am 95% certain it is the protein
supplements that are in some way causing this reaction, as there are
no other differences in my diet, lifestyle, or anything else that
would explain it.  I don't believe it is any type of allergy to the
protein supplements as I am perfectly fine except when I consume
alcohol.

Furthermore, I do not wish to stop taking the supplements as they have
helped me a great deal in my bodybuilding routine, and I would also
like to be able to enjoy a drink every now and then, particularly when
going out with friends as being the only one in the group not drinking
can be an unpleasant experience.

Have you ever considered that the protein supplements on their own
could be doing damage? And not the combination of protein and alcohol?

Medically, your symptoms mimic protein overload, often presenting in a
condition known as hyper/proteinuria. Hyperproteinuria (or just
Proteinuria) most often leads to hypertension (dietary sensitivity to
salt and acetic acid can also follow). Hypertension will make you
restless and insomniac.

Alcohol can make this worse by inhibiting a hormone called ADH
(Anti-Diuretic Hormone) making you want to urinate a lot (called
"breaking the seal") causing all the protein to go through your
kidneys, eventually leading to mild-moderate renal dysfunction.

You need to discuss this immediately with your doctor, who should
conduct urine and blood electrolyte/protein testing. This will reveal
a possible protein overload. If the tests come back negative, it will
most likely be another cause, BUT YOU MUST SEE A DOCTOR ASAP either
way!

Hope this helps,
Baz :)