Alcohol and Epilepsy: The Link, Risks and Treatment

However, most individuals who drink alcohol—even in larger amounts—do not necessarily go on to develop epilepsy. The key takeaway is that alcohol misuse and abrupt withdrawal can exacerbate or unmask an underlying tendency to have seizures. Although it can increase the risk of seizures, it is important to note that it is not an absolute contraindication. With the right precautions and medical advice, it is possible to safely and responsibly enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Ultimately, it is best to discuss the risks and benefits of drinking alcohol with your doctor to determine the best course of action for you. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people around the world.

What precautions should people with kidney disease take when drinking alcohol?

It’s all too common that problem drinking disrupts bonds with a spouse, family members, friends, coworkers, or employers. Consuming alcohol makes it even more dangerous, and it is never a good idea to combine drinking and driving, even in small amounts. If your medication allows drinking, only drink a few drinks, and make sure to drink slowly.

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Most of these antiepileptic medications also have side effects that mimic those of alcohol. They may slow down central nervous system responses, make a person sleepy, or cause parts of the brain to work differently. If you research a medication can someone with epilepsy drink alcohol and these symptoms show up, it’s likely that AED will lower your tolerance for alcohol, too.

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Excessive alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Doctors often recommend that people with CKD limit their alcohol consumption. You can expect to hear about more research, debate, and controversy in the near future regarding the potential risks and benefits of drinking, and how much — if any — is ideal. The definitions for a drink in the US are the common serving sizes for beer (12 ounces), wine (5 ounces), or distilled spirits/hard liquor (1.5 ounces). For millions of people, it’s a regular part of the dining experience, social and sports events, celebrations, and milestones.

• Sometimes drinking alcohol can make you less likely to get a good night’s rest and contribute to fatigue.
• Responses to enquiries contain information relating to the general principles of investigation and management of epilepsy.
• One of the most common questions that people with epilepsy ask is, “Can I drink alcohol?
• Blood alcohol content refers to the percentage of alcohol in your blood.
• That can trigger a seizure – usually within 6-48 hours after stopping drinking.
• When seizures do happen as a result of alcohol, they occur within six to 72 hours after drinking.

Treatment Options for Epilepsy and Alcohol Dependence

Yes, there are ways to reduce the risk of drinking alcohol for people with epilepsy. It is important to stay hydrated before, during, and after drinking alcohol. Additionally, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation, as excessive drinking can increase the risk of seizures. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that any medications taken for epilepsy are not interacting with the alcohol consumed.

Dangers of Mixing Epilepsy Medications with Alcohol

Despite this, less than half of the US public is aware of any alcohol-cancer connection. Changing the labels as suggested by the Surgeon General will require congressional action that may never happen. Yes, there are alternatives to drinking alcohol for people with epilepsy. Non-alcoholic beer and wine are excellent alternatives, as they can often have a similar taste and experience as alcoholic beverages. Additionally, drinking sparkling water with a splash of juice or sugar-free soda can provide a refreshing option.

• Plus, it’s essential to look after yourself and ensure your alcohol consumption doesn’t stop you from taking your epilepsy medication.
• In a 2020 study, research found that the risk of SUDEP was twice as high in people with a history of alcohol dependence or substance misuse disorder.
• Being informed is the best way to help look after yourself or loved ones and balance alcohol consumption and epilepsy.
• It is important to discuss your individual risk for drinking with your health care team.
• Recovery Ranger is a website that offers direction and support for those seeking to overcome addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
• But these benefits are probably averaged out—or maybe even outweighed—by traffic injuries, breast cancer and other risks of moderate drinking.
• For most people, moderate consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

For people diagnosed with epilepsy, the decision to drink alcohol should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. In some cases, moderate alcohol intake (e.g., an occasional drink) may be acceptable and might not significantly increase the risk of seizures. However, even small amounts of alcohol can interact with anti-seizure medications, reduce their effectiveness, or worsen side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. Additionally, having multiple drinks or binge drinking can destabilize seizure control for some individuals. If you have epilepsy and choose to drink, it’s important to monitor how you feel, take medications as prescribed, and avoid any sudden increase or decrease in alcohol consumption.

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Your doctor can also help you determine if any medications you are taking may interact with alcohol. Taking cannabis, ecstasy, speed, cocaine, and other recreational drugs can trigger, or increase the frequency of, seizures for some people. Taking recreational drugs increases the risk of seizures and of mental and physical health problems, which in turn may make seizures more likely. Learning more about your own epilepsy and treatment means you can make informed choices about your lifestyle. On the other hand, some experts suggest that there may be certain benefits to drinking alcohol for people with epilepsy.