The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Caffeine and seizures

Tue, 01/30/2007 - 16:16
Do all people with E get triggered by stimulants like caffeine? and if not, why would only some people have it as a trigger...why wouldn't be a universal trigger like sleep deprivation?

Comments

Re: Caffeine and seizures

Submitted by carrieb on Tue, 2007-01-30 - 17:54
Caffeine disturbs your sleep patterns because it is a stimulant. You may not think it is affecting your sleep, but it is. You're just used to the affects of it, so you don't feel the "high" that caffeine gives. I used to drink Dr. Pepper like it was going out of style. I drank the majority of it before bedtime, and nearly all of my seizures were at night. I finally gave up all caffeine totally, not even a sip, and 90% of the nocturnal seizures stopped. After a year or so, I would take little sips of my husband's coke, and I'd get a buzz from it. Sometimes I'd have a seizure as a result if I had a little too much. The point is that it is a stimulant for everyone and affects everyone's sleep patterns to an extent. Some with seizures are a little more sensitive to sleep disturbances than others. IMO, it is extremely unwise to drink caffeine. It can also hurt your short-term memory.

Re: Caffeine and seizures

Submitted by JoeKent on Fri, 2011-08-26 - 14:04
I agree. I drink Dr. Pepper every day several times, even at night. I have been experiencing seizures for over 25 years. I did go on medication until 21 years ago, and I had an accident after going COLD TURKEY on Friday 13th Dec. 1996. After the accident, the neurologist put me back on the medication and a new one as well to wing me off of the Dilantin. I was fine for about 14 years and I am experiencing some daytime seizures every few months. In addition, I have a problem drinking fountain soft drinks--they are so sweet-- so they cause my liver to excreet sugars into my body that makes me feel dizzy etc. So, I truly believe Dr. Pepper causes me to have seizures. Also. Dehydration from overheating playing softball etc. right now because it's so hot! I came home Tuesdau night and was already sore within a few minutes--not a day! The next dat I began having seizures too.

Re: Re: Caffeine and seizures

Submitted by Director2009 on Tue, 2007-02-27 - 12:50
But I need it for the opposite reasons, my brain shuts down for long periods of time and I need it for alertness.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.