Flagyl is actually similar to the medication Antabuse, prescribed to help alcoholics stop drinking - hence some of the unpleasant side effects. Some people, however, can and do drink while on flagyl. I supposed you could try spacing out your dosages, much like you have to do while having dairy with cipro (usually a 4-6 hour window), but since you have already experienced the unpleasant side effects, you have a pretty good idea how it will affect you in the future as well. My understanding is that this is not one of the side effects that improves or disappears over time. Having spent a lot of time in the UK myself, I understand how this might impact your social connections. Perhaps you can speak to your doctor about rotating meds or at the very least, a dosing schedule that can best mitigate the bad effects.