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Keppra and Alcohol

Mon, 02/04/2008 - 13:49

I am a healthy 28 year old male who just had his first 2 seizures on consecutive days.  I went to the hospital and had an MRI and an EEG.  The EEG came back abnormal so the DR. put me on Keppra 1000mg a day.  I am a social drinker who drinks regularly.  The Doctor said I shouldn't drink and if I do I can only have one drink.  Is this true?  I am not an alcoholic but the thought of never being able to get drunk again is fairly upsetting to me.  Does anyone have any advice?  What happens if I do drink?

 Thanks

Comments

Re: Keppra and Alcohol

Submitted by dandsinc02 on Tue, 2008-02-05 - 16:28

SAV

I have been taking keppra for the last 6 yrs.-3750mg/day.  I like wine and have 2-3 glasses @ get togethers, ok'd by my dr.  Good thing to eat when drinking  for the meds to be absorbed into the system.  Maybe the dr, because this is a new med for you, and seizures are new for you says "no" to the drinking.  I'd follow what he says and see if the keppra helps stop the seizures-that's MOST impt.  And if you're still having them, and taking the meds, maybe you can start drinking more.  Good luck-hope it works for you!

 

SAV

I have been taking keppra for the last 6 yrs.-3750mg/day.  I like wine and have 2-3 glasses @ get togethers, ok'd by my dr.  Good thing to eat when drinking  for the meds to be absorbed into the system.  Maybe the dr, because this is a new med for you, and seizures are new for you says "no" to the drinking.  I'd follow what he says and see if the keppra helps stop the seizures-that's MOST impt.  And if you're still having them, and taking the meds, maybe you can start drinking more.  Good luck-hope it works for you!

 

Re: Keppra and Alcohol

Submitted by bshappee on Tue, 2008-02-05 - 19:36

I used to be a regular social drinker and I wasn't exactly told, "No, you can't drink alcohol again!" but why take the chance?

As hard as it was & still is (I still have a fully stocked wine rack) I haven't touched a drop since my seizure and going on Keppra.  At first it was rather unbearable, kinda like the kid in the candy store who is denied everything if you know what I mean, but it did pass.

I guess it is just a personal decision.  Everyone has to figure out the correct course of action for themselves and their families but why risk having another seizure if going dry would have or could have prevented it?  Of course, my first (and only) seizure was a tonic-clonic and my desire to avoid another seizure overrides any desire to consume alcohol.

Just my thoughts on the subject!

I used to be a regular social drinker and I wasn't exactly told, "No, you can't drink alcohol again!" but why take the chance?

As hard as it was & still is (I still have a fully stocked wine rack) I haven't touched a drop since my seizure and going on Keppra.  At first it was rather unbearable, kinda like the kid in the candy store who is denied everything if you know what I mean, but it did pass.

I guess it is just a personal decision.  Everyone has to figure out the correct course of action for themselves and their families but why risk having another seizure if going dry would have or could have prevented it?  Of course, my first (and only) seizure was a tonic-clonic and my desire to avoid another seizure overrides any desire to consume alcohol.

Just my thoughts on the subject!

Re: Keppra and Alcohol

Submitted by BuckeyeFan on Sun, 2008-02-10 - 09:04

My epilepsy started when I was 20, right in the middle of my peak drinking age. (18 was the legal age back then) I didn't have much problems with my own desire to drink, but it was VERY hard to avoid the social pressure. It took some time and others around me got used to it. I just used a very generic response when pressured. "I have nothing against drinking, I just can't with my medication." This worked with most people and I rarely had to explain my E to them. Sometimes it even made me a little more popular, because I was the sober driver.

Now at 46, I do drink occasionally. One way I keep from going to excess is by drinking wine, weak mixes, or dark beer. This way I get to drink, but slower than those around me.

BE SURE TO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. You're chances of a break through seizure are increased and could prove fatal for you or someone else.

Best of Luck.

My epilepsy started when I was 20, right in the middle of my peak drinking age. (18 was the legal age back then) I didn't have much problems with my own desire to drink, but it was VERY hard to avoid the social pressure. It took some time and others around me got used to it. I just used a very generic response when pressured. "I have nothing against drinking, I just can't with my medication." This worked with most people and I rarely had to explain my E to them. Sometimes it even made me a little more popular, because I was the sober driver.

Now at 46, I do drink occasionally. One way I keep from going to excess is by drinking wine, weak mixes, or dark beer. This way I get to drink, but slower than those around me.

BE SURE TO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. You're chances of a break through seizure are increased and could prove fatal for you or someone else.

Best of Luck.

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