Alcohol and Epilepsy: The Link, Risks and Treatment

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. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is a condition that occurs after an abrupt stopping of heavy drinking in people with alcohol use disorders (AUD). The researchers also found that the risk of epilepsy increased as alcohol consumption increased. According to the researchers, these results are consistent with previous studies. In a 2022 review of 8 studies, researchers found that the risk of epilepsy was 1.7 times higher (95% confidence intervals from 1.16 to 2.49) in people who consumed alcohol compared to non-drinkers.

You should do what you can by following your doctor’s instructions and should not blame yourself if a seizure does occur. You can better cope by identifying what triggers cause seizures and avoiding them as best you can. For people with epilepsy, alcohol use disorders can be particularly risky. If you or someone you love has epilepsy and is struggling with alcohol use, help is available. Contact The Recovery Village Ridgefield to learn how we can help get you on the path to recovery. It’s important to always talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume alcohol with your medication.

Understanding Seizure Triggers

Your doctor can tell you how alcohol may interact with your medications. This article is designed to guide those wondering about alcohol and epilepsy, but professional medical advice is vital before you or your loved ones make any decisions regarding your health. On MyEpilepsyTeam, the social network and online support group for people with epilepsy and their loved ones, members have discussed alcohol, epilepsy, and seizure triggers. Epilepsy is defined as a spectrum of disorders that involve the central nervous system (brain and spine). The seizures that occur in epilepsy are caused by abnormal brain activity.

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

Those who overdose on alcohol may also experience alcohol poisoning seizures as the toxins from alcohol build up in their bloodstream. For people with epilepsy, drinking alcohol can be a controversial topic. While some experts suggest that certain types of alcohol may be safe for certain individuals, it is important to talk to your doctor before drinking. Your doctor can help you evaluate the potential risks and benefits and can provide advice on how to safely consume alcohol.

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No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. By contrast, another 2023 study found similar rates of death between nondrinkers and light to moderate drinkers. Usually, epileptic medication can impact your ability to drive safely, so you should discuss this with your doctor. Managing alcohol dependence requires undergoing a medically assisted detox. There is no other way to avoid alcohol dependence or to rid yourself of it once it has developed.

Alcohol withdrawal significantly lowers your seizure threshold, with the risk of seizures being highest at the peak of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms typically peak within 48–72 hours of your last drink. Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated, unpredictable seizures. This condition can affect people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds. Using alcohol can actually reduce your seizure risk while you are intoxicated, but it artificially increases your seizure risk as it wears off. Alcohol also increases your risk of developing epilepsy and can interfere with epilepsy treatments.

• 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.
• Dialog window appears over the main content page asking you to be part of the Epsy community and get relevant monthly content delivered by email.
• Yes, alcohol can provoke seizures, particularly when consumed in large quantities or during withdrawal periods.
• Plus, it’s a good idea to limit your alcohol intake to small low alcoholic drinks to avoid triggering seizures due to alcohol withdrawal.
• For people with epilepsy, alcohol use disorders can be particularly risky.
• While those with epilepsy are at a higher risk of seizures while using alcohol, the degree of risk varies based on the amount of alcohol used.

Anton emphasizes that exercise doesn’t necessarily have a direct effect on how alcohol is metabolized, so it shouldn’t be an excuse to start drinking. “When people are thinking about drinking, and if they choose to do so, it should be part of a healthy lifestyle,” Rimm says. Of course, no one needs to wait for new guidelines or warning labels to curb their drinking. Many are exploring ways to cut back, including the Dry January Challenge or alcohol-free drinks. Join the conversation today to share your experiences and connect with others on MyEpilepsyTeam.

Are there any health benefits to drinking alcohol?

AUD is diagnosed separately, using a specific set of psychiatric criteria. Epilepsy and alcohol dependence are both diagnosed using completely separate approaches. Epilepsy is primarily diagnosed based on your medical history, a physical and neurological examination, and diagnostic tests.

To simplify, alcohol relaxes your brain, which makes seizures less likely. But when people who drink a lot suddenly stop, their brain suddenly becomes much more active. That can trigger a seizure – usually within 6-48 hours after stopping drinking. This is when you drink a lot of alcohol in a short amount of time or drink continually for many hours.

Medical cannabis

• If you experience any discomfort after drinking alcohol, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• Many people with epilepsy can lead normal lives, but there are some lifestyle changes that need to be taken into consideration.
• Rimm thinks the biological evidence still shows that moderate alcohol consumption offers a small benefit for heart disease and other conditions such as type 2 diabetes.
• If you do drink, avoid binge drinking or chronically high consumption, which may help reduce your seizure severity or frequency.
• However, Epilepsy Society is unable to provide a medical opinion on specific cases.
• Bråthen, Geir; et al. “Alcohol-related seizures.” European Handbook of Neurological Management, 2011.

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.

Often, the most appropriate rehab program will be medical detox and a long-term residential stay. Afterward, they can transition to an intensive outpatient program that prepares the person for outpatient and aftercare programs. It is imperative for people who have had alcohol-induced seizures to abstain from any alcohol use. This can reduce the risk of future seizures and the development of spontaneous seizure disorders. Consuming alcohol seems to aggravate seizures in people with epilepsy and may lead to increased seizure frequency. Doctors often warn people who have epilepsy can someone with epilepsy drink alcohol to avoid alcohol or to only drink in moderation.

Our team of specialists helps individuals navigate the recovery process and stay motivated. 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. It is generally safe for people with epilepsy to drink a small amount of alcohol up to a certain level. Excessive drinking should be completely avoided, especially for those on prescribed epilepsy medication. Drinking alcohol can cause changes in the brain’s electrical activity, particularly when the body is going through the withdrawal process from alcohol. If you don’t drink, starting drinking with epilepsy is not a good idea, as your body is probably more sensitive to alcohol and its impact.