According to the Epilepsy Foundation, seizures by can you drink alcohol if you have seizures themselves typically are not fatal. However, they may cause people to fall and sustain potentially serious injuries, such as head injuries. Alcohol seizures may share symptoms with seizures that are not linked to alcohol. This section answers some frequently asked questions about alcohol and seizures.
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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. In almost all cases, seizures occurred within 12 hours of stopping alcohol consumption. This isn’t just about knowing how many drinks you can handle before feeling buzzed.
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When this effect occurs deeply or over a long period of time, brain activity can rebound during alcohol withdrawal, exceeding normal levels and creating the risk of a seizure. Someone with an alcohol withdrawal seizure may experience convulsions and lose consciousness. If an alcohol withdrawal seizure occurs, it is a medical emergency. Because of the unpredictability and potential severity of withdrawal seizures, medical supervision is crucial.
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- 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.
- NICE recommends that Epidyolex is only used to treat the conditions above if two other ASM have been tried and they have not controlled the seizures.
- It’s also important to understand that quitting alcohol after a period of alcohol abuse or misuse may be harder for people diagnosed with epilepsy than it is for those without it.
- Every effort is made to ensure that all our information is correct and up to date.
- Consuming alcohol is a common seizure trigger for people with epilepsy.
People with alcohol withdrawal seizures may also experience tremors, hallucinations, muscle spasms, and a rapid heart rate. A 2017 review found that a history of alcohol misuse increased the risk of post-traumatic epilepsy in people with traumatic brain injury. Long-term alcohol misuse can increase the risk of developing epilepsy. 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.
Long-term alcohol consumption and risk of epilepsy
It is possible for chronic alcohol consumption to cause seizures in people without a history of seizures. In some cases, excessive alcohol consumption may lead people to miss meals or medication, which can also make seizures more likely in people with epilepsy. Alcohol consumption or withdrawal may trigger seizures in those with epilepsy. Some experts link excessive alcohol consumption to the development of epilepsy. Consuming alcohol seems to be a common trigger for seizures in people with epilepsy. Because of the risk of seizures and other serious symptoms, detoxing from alcohol should only be attempted with medical support.
Can Alcohol Withdrawal Cause a Seizure?
One theory is that when someone repeatedly binges on alcohol and then withdraws, it gradually causes permanent changes in the brain. These changes mean that the person would be more likely to have seizures in future, even if they stopped drinking alcohol altogether. 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. The effect of alcohol on people with epilepsy will vary from person to person, even on the same medication. People with epilepsy who drink alcohol may also be less likely to adhere to their medication schedule.
Keep track of drinks’
Developing a tolerance for alcohol has a direct impact on the central nervous system. For abusers, the cessation of drinking can significantly increase the seizure threshold. There is no definitive cutoff for what amount of alcohol you have to drink to experience withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of seizures.
Those with epilepsy who have alcohol dependence and stop drinking suddenly have an additional risk of withdrawal-induced seizures. 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. Also, you can never be certain what exactly is in recreational drugs. Learning more about your own epilepsy and treatment means you can make informed choices about your lifestyle. Long-term alcohol use can increase your risk of developing epilepsy, a condition where you are prone to having seizures.
Mixing any meds with alcohol may cause side-effects or stop the drugs from working. 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 (ASM) in your blood or alter their effectiveness in the brain.
Signs include needing to drink more to feel the same effects, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and continuing to drink despite negative consequences. 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. Just a little bit of thought and forward planning can help and leave you free to enjoy your plans without all the worry. Your meds, or your seizures, might mean that your epilepsy health team recommend you don’t drink at all, or not very much. Instead of guessing what they might say, the best thing to do is ask them if you can drink.
Epilepsy and alcohol – an introduction
Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Regardless of the level of care, ongoing support is crucial for recovery. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a night out without compromising your well-being.
- Early intervention can dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications and set the stage for a safer, more effective recovery process.
- After the seizure, you should position them on their side and ensure that their airway is clear while waiting for emergency assistance.
- If people have an alcohol use disorder, they can talk with a healthcare professional about treatment options.
- In this article, learn what alcohol does to the brain, how it can lead to seizures, and what you need to know about alcohol use if you already have a seizure disorder.
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. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the organisation that makes recommendations about what medicines doctors can prescribe on the NHS. NICE recommends that Epidyolex is only used to treat the conditions above if two other ASM have been tried and they have not controlled the seizures. They also recommend that doctors check every six months to see if Epidyolex is working to control or reduce seizures and stop prescribing it if it is not.
Also, remember that suddenly quitting alcohol after frequent consumption can lead to withdrawal seizures—a double whammy you want to dodge. What should I do if I experience a seizure after drinking alcohol? If you experience a seizure after drinking, seek medical advice to evaluate your alcohol consumption and seizure management. Alcohol can interact with antiepileptic medications, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Yes, alcohol can provoke seizures, particularly when consumed in large quantities or during withdrawal periods. Furthermore, alcohol can affect the metabolism of antiepileptic medications.