With everyone’s epilepsy being unique to them, and the meds used to manage your epilepsy being different, it’s tough for us to answer that question, because everyone is unique. Mixing any meds with alcohol may cause side-effects or stop the drugs from working. ASMs can make you more sensitive to the sedating effects of alcohol, leading you to feel drowsy or feel intoxicated more easily. The interaction of alcohol and ASMs makes driving more hazardous, even if you have consumed an amount within the legal limit, so you should avoid driving in these circumstances. Excessive alcohol consumption may cause seizures, particularly alcohol withdrawal after heavy drinking.

Managing Epilepsy

When this happens your brain might generate seizures more easily. With a substantial impact on the brain, alcohol has an immense effect on it. Once consumed, this chemical alters nerve cells’ communication patterns within your brain.

If you take an ASM, speak with your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol. They can advise you on what is safe for you and if there could be interactions. Seizures may occur in around 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Before taking your medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor or your pharmacist to see if it’s safe to mix with alcohol. The leaflet that comes with your medications can advise you on whether it’s safe to mix your medication with alcohol.

For Epilepsy Support

It could slow down your thinking process resulting in relaxation or even sleepiness; however, this effect on the mind is also capable of causing severe problems such as convulsions. The most important thing to remember is a night-out should be on your terms and drinking should be your choice, whether you want to drink, how much you drink is down to you. Don’t give in to peer pressure or feel like you have to drink more than you want to. Join the conversation today to share your experiences and connect with others on MyEpilepsyTeam. Discuss these possible drug interactions with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the combined use of alcohol and your epilepsy medication. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the organisation that makes recommendations about what medicines doctors can prescribe on the NHS.

Binge drinking

With extensive experience in the field of addiction treatment, Francisco is dedicated to helping individuals access the resources they need for successful recovery. A space for young people, aged 13+, who are living with epilepsy, for them to share, learn and find support. We also asked young people living with epilepsy for their top tips on what to do on a night-out or special occasion.

Alcohol Consumption and Antiepileptic Medications

Do not wait until symptoms worsen rather take preventive measures in ensuring your safety as well as well-being. For most people, the direct cause of alcohol seizures is not the alcohol itself. Such people can get seizures from drinking alcohol, mainly as they previously had epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Alcohol can make your brain stop working normally while you drink. When you quit drinking, your brain could get into some trouble because it is not able to handle the absence of alcohol. These factors make a person at risk for developing alcohol withdrawal seizures if they suddenly have no alcohol.

• Medications such as clonazepam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that can cause a life threatening interaction when mixed with alcohol.
• Yes, alcohol can provoke seizures, particularly when consumed in large quantities or during withdrawal periods.
• Epilepsy Society and any third party cannot be held responsible for any actions taken as a result of using this service.
• If you’ve ended up in the ER with a seizure, and alcohol has been part of the mix, docs will be considering this statistic.
• Drinking alcohol is a personal choice and you may choose not to, or are medically advised not to.

You should never stop taking your prescribed ASM without talking to your specialist first as this could cause more seizures or more severe seizures. If you do decide to use CBD it’s important to let your epilepsy specialist know as it might affect the way your existing ASM works. Studies have found that an unusually high number of alcoholics also have epilepsy. Drink plenty of water during the night and the following morning to stay well hydrated. Keep a tab on how many drinks you have, write it down, or buddy up with a friend who will keep an eye on how much you drink. Stay informed with the latest health tips, expert advice, and inspiring stories.

Though alcohol can trigger seizures, they are more often linked to withdrawal from alcohol if your body has developed a tolerance for it and dependency on it. For most people, moderate consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. It is also important to drink slowly and to avoid binge drinking, as this can increase the risk of seizures and other medical complications.

Can I drink with epilepsy?

In one small study from 2018, people with epilepsy who reported seizures after drinking had consumed seven or more standard-sized drinks before their seizures occurred. Nearly all of the seizures occurred within 12 hours after they stopped drinking. Furthermore, seizures seemed particularly likely if the participants did not regularly drink that much alcohol. However, other people with epilepsy find they can drink moderately without triggering a seizure. In fact, research shows that a drink or two does not increase seizure activity. Electroencephalogram (EEG) tests show brain activity remains the same, as long as the amount of alcohol ingested is small.

• He creates this site to offer guidance and support to individuals seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
• Set an alarm on your phone to make sure you take your medication on time.
• If you’re taking ‘clobazam’ daily, or require buccal midazolam or diazepam regularly, you should avoid alcohol.
• With everyone’s epilepsy being unique to them, and the meds used to manage your epilepsy being different, it’s tough for us to answer that question, because everyone is unique.

Sleep gives your brain time to get rid of toxins that build up throughout the day, so you can you drink alcohol if you have seizures wake up feeling restored and refreshed. When you pull an all-nighter, consistently skimp on sleep, or have issues like insomnia or sleep apnea, your brain misses out on this much-needed repair time. About 3 in 100 people with epilepsy have seizures after exposure to flashing lights or other visual stimulus. Anything with rapid flashes or alternating patterns of colors, including TV shows, movies, computer screens, and video games, can bring on a seizure. Children and teens are more prone to this type of photosensitive epilepsy.

It doesn’t just have a one-way relationship with your brain; it’s more like a two-way street that occasionally turns into a cul-de-sac. Well, the alcohol itself isn’t the direct cause of seizures in most cases, but it’s more about what happens after you drink—or more importantly, when you stop drinking. To learn more about the risks of epilepsy and alcohol, speak to your medical team. There is evidence that people who have uncontrolled seizures are more likely to have seizures after drinking (but people with controlled seizures could also be at risk). Status epilepticus is a medical emergency that may lead to lasting brain damage or death.

To learn more about handling liquor use and understanding how it affects your general health, simply call Calusa. We are always ready to assist you in dealing with these challenges thereby enabling you to build a healthier tomorrow. Contact us today for personal advice and support on the way to recovery.

Those with epilepsy who have alcohol dependence and stop drinking suddenly have an additional risk of withdrawal-induced seizures. Heavy drinking, particularly withdrawal from heavy drinking, may trigger seizures in those with epilepsy. Alcohol may also affect anti-seizure medications, which could trigger seizures.

We all know that too much partying late at night can lead to a terrible sleep schedule. For someone with epilepsy, sufficient sleep is critical to reducing seizure risk. Lack of sleep equals higher chances of having a seizure; nobody wants that.