People who chronically consume large amounts of alcohol seem to be more likely to have epilepsy than people who don’t. If you have epilepsy, drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short space of time can trigger a breakthrough seizure putting you at risk. Even people without epilepsy can sometimes have a seizure after a night of binge drinking. If you experience any discomfort after drinking alcohol, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additionally, it is important to take note of any changes in behavior or symptoms that may have occurred prior to the discomfort. Additionally, ensure you are aware of any medications you may be taking for epilepsy, as alcohol can interact with these medications, making them less effective. The knowledge of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal seizures is particularly relevant to those who wish to give up drinking.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Seizures
Perhaps the biggest risk with alcohol and seizures is binge drinking. This is when you drink a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time or drink continually for many hours. Over 50% of alcohol withdrawal seizures may relate to additional risk factors, such as preexisting epilepsy, structural brain lesions, or drug use.
It is possible for chronic alcohol consumption to cause seizures in people without a history of seizures. Heavy alcohol consumption is a common trigger for seizures in those who already have epilepsy. It’s important to always talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume alcohol with your medication. Consuming alcohol in large quantities for extended periods seems to increase seizure frequency and might increase your risk of SUDEP. 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. The researchers also found that the risk of epilepsy increased as alcohol consumption increased.
Having a breakthrough seizure from not taking your medication can be dangerous. Set an alarm on your phone to make sure you take your medication on time. Consuming alcohol makes it even more dangerous, and it is never a good idea to combine drinking and driving, even in small amounts. Usually, epileptic medication can impact your ability to drive safely, so you should discuss this with your doctor. If your medication allows drinking, only drink a few drinks, and make sure to drink slowly. Although these are general guidelines, your tolerance or consumption recommendation can vary based on your overall health, size, and medical condition.
For those with epilepsy, drinking alcohol is a controversial topic.
If you’re on medication for epilepsy or any condition, check with your doctor about how alcohol might interact with your meds.
If you have epilepsy, it is crucial to consult with your physician regarding alcohol consumption and your specific condition.
Combining ASMs with alcohol may also increase the side effects of medications, such as dizziness or drowsiness, and may also increase your risk of liver problems.
Knowing how these chemical changes affect you can help you make informed decisions about drinking, especially if seizures are a part of your life story.
Alcohol and Epilepsy: A Potential Seizure Trigger
If you are thinking about discontinuing alcohol, you must have an understanding of these factors to enable you to seek proper medical advice and support. It doesn’t always feel convenient to take your meds on a night out but if you’re tempted to skip taking them because of an event or big night – don’t. Talk to your epilepsy team about your options and see if you could flex your timetable slightly so your meds can fit around what you planned.
Can Alcoholism Cause Epilepsy?
However, some medications are more likely than others to metabolize differently when alcohol is used.
Long-term alcohol misuse can lead to chronic neurological damage, increasing the likelihood of seizure disorders (CDC, 2022).
ASMs can make you more sensitive to the sedating effects of alcohol, leading you to feel drowsy or feel intoxicated more easily.
Your risk of developing seizures seems to increase with an increasing amount of alcohol. Seizures often seem to develop in the hours after you stop consuming alcohol. These changes can promote seizure activity in people with and without epilepsy during periods of alcohol withdrawal. So, if you choose to drink, it may be a good idea to follow the CDC guidelines² for alcohol consumption.
Risks of drinking, even in moderation, with epilepsy
Some people seem to be more prone to having seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will go on to develop epilepsy, which is where you have two or more unprovoked seizures. It’s important to be aware that uncontrolled alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, and there is a risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy.
Even if alcohol itself doesn’t trigger your or your loved one’s seizures, it’s important to understand whether your antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are compatible with alcohol. For some people, certain situations can trigger (set off) a seizure. Common triggers include lack of sleep, stress, alcohol, and not taking their prescribed anti-seizure medication (ASM). Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks can help reduce the chances of a hangover, but will not prevent seizures from occurring. The patient information leaflet that comes with your ASM should say if alcohol is not recommended. Whether to drink alcohol or take recreational drugs is a personal choice, but it is worth knowing the possible effects they could have on your epilepsy.
For many people, being able to have a drink with friends and family is an important part of their life. However, for some people drinking too much alcohol can be a seizure trigger. It can be easy to forget once you start drinking, but it is always in your best interest to set a reminder or tell a friend to remind you to take your medication. Otherwise, missing a dose can increase your risk of having a seizure. It is generally safe for people with epilepsy to drink a small amount of alcohol up to a certain level. Delirium tremens is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal and affects about 2% of people with alcohol use disorder.
Early detection can lead to timely and effective medical intervention hence promoting faster recovery. Furthermore, alcohol can affect the metabolism of antiepileptic medications. Seizure activity due to alcohol withdrawal typically occurs in someone (with or without epilepsy) who has been drinking excessively over a long period of time. The withdrawal seizures triggered by alcohol withdrawal are not due to epilepsy itself. Alcohol and seizure medication may interact in ways that make it more likely that some people will have a seizure. For example, alcohol may reduce the levels of some anti-seizure medication can you drink alcohol if you have seizures (ASM) in your blood or alter their effectiveness in the brain.
Travelling with epilepsy
Alcohol consumption or withdrawal may trigger seizures in those with epilepsy. Some experts link excessive alcohol consumption to the development of epilepsy. The amount of alcohol intake before alcohol-related seizures was at least 7 standard drinks, or the equivalent of 1.4 liters of beer or 700 milliliters of wine.
According to the researchers, these results are consistent with previous studies. Sleeping in can also make you forget to take your medication or take it much later than usual. Plus, it’s essential to look after yourself and ensure your alcohol consumption doesn’t stop you from taking your epilepsy medication. If you have epilepsy, it is crucial to consult with your physician regarding alcohol consumption and your specific condition. Your doctor can tell you how alcohol may interact with your medications. A report from 2021 also found that alcohol-related deaths were five times more likely in people with epilepsy than those without the condition.
