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Side Effects for Keppra & Can you drink alcohol??
Mon, 02/05/2007 - 02:58Topic: Medication Issues
Hi, I'm 27 and had two grand mal seizures in the past month. I don't remember anything and am pretty much out cold for 30 min afterwards, and disoriented for the remainder of the day. All my tests have come back negative and my doc has put me on 1500 mg of Keppra a day. It's only been a couple weeks, but I've noticed that I get fatigued much quicker, I've lost my appetite, and my short term memory is shot. Are these the same side effects everyone else has?? Has Keppra worked well for you?? Also, I've read all the medical forms on it and talked to the doc some, but does being on the meds mean that I need to cut out alcohol 100%? I don't really drink a lot, but would occasionally like to still have wine every now and then, but I'm not sure if I should be concerned with any possible interactions. I'd like to hear other's experiences.
Thanks.
Comments
Hey , I’m 55 and had my first
Submitted by luluzach22 on Sun, 2018-04-01 - 04:29
Hey , I’m 55 and had my first seizure 14 months ago . Then another 2 months later I now have epilepsy. I’ve been on 1000 mg keppra everyday for 12 months. Yes your right about tiredness and possibly short term memory loss . I have a full on physical job and go to the gym. It does get easier I’m tiered when I get up but then don’t think about it the rest of the day! I now have my driving licence back and all is good in answer to your question alcohol keppra. I drink almost every night always have 3 glasses of wine or beer . I don’t get drunk I ain’t had another seizure since I’ve been on the keppra and that’s the truth and this is me !! This is a great website really helps but try and keep away from it ! You read no caffeine no alcohol take vitamins fish oil etc . The doctors don’t know what causes epilepsy Just don’t miss your keppra !! I wish you good luck . K
Re: Side Effects for Keppra & Can you drink alcohol??
Submitted by rikk on Fri, 2008-12-12 - 23:57
i have had seizures for 40 years. the truth is simple. alcohol at any level lowers the threshold at which a seizure can happen. that means it is easier for the seizure to occur. that being said, and you understanding the risks, make you own deceision. the idea of getting a blood alcohol higher than legal to drive. don't do it. a glass of wine once in a while will probably not do any harm. that is what i have found. talk to the doc about having a glass of wine once in a while. then make the decision. my advice is to not drink, that is based on the first simple truth. rikk
Re: Side Effects for Keppra & Can you drink alcohol??
Submitted by Craig Hunt on Sat, 2008-12-20 - 13:39
I've been an epileptic for over 25 years and taken several different types of drugs except Keppra during that time. I never had any neurologist tell me it was ok to drink alcohol with any of them. Unfortunately, I went through high school and college trying to prove that I was indestructible. I cannot prove that any of my seizures in college were a result of alcohol, but I can honestly say that the alcohol probably didn't help. Most seizure medications can have side effects associated with being sleepy, depression, mood swings, etc. Why risk them being doubled, but everyone is different - weight, age, etc. In my case, alcohol in moderation has been fine for the last 10 years (less than 2 drinks per week or fewer). You will have to figure your own body out, but be careful and pay attention to the side effects & subtle clues. You won't be 27 for too long and you do put yourself at a higher risk consuming alcohol. Keppra is still considered new and we are finding out about it every day.