Community Forum Archive

That’s great that your medication has been working so well for you! If you want that to continue...do not use alcohol. Drinking alcohol while on Trileptal can increase certain side effects and increases your risk of seizures. Also discontinuing the medication without the supervision of your doctor increases your risk of seizures. I understand that it’s hard when your friends are drinking alcohol and you’re not, but remember you could lose your ability to drive and put your safety and the safety at others at risk if you let your curiosity about alcohol get the best of you. Many of us with epilepsy don’t even get to drive because our seizures aren’t fully controlled with medication. Be grateful that you have that freedom to drive and don’t throw it away because you can’t drink. 

Hi abbyseet,  Thanks for posting and congratulations on being seizure free for 3 years, that’s fantastic news! Please talk to your doctor about these questions and your individual treatment plan. .Moderate to heavy alcohol use is never recommended for people with epilepsy. Alcohol and some seizure drugs have similar side effects and as Gianna mentioned in her comment, using both at the same time can lead to bothersome and potentially dangerous problems:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/youth/alcohol-and-drugs Learn more about epilepsy & alcohol here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/alcohol Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and one of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support options and living with epilepsy as a young adult, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernshttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/age-groups/youth/day-day-living Additionally our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline  

Never taken the risk and gotten drunk. It will vary from person to person but, you need to keep close eye on what pills you're taking. Zonisamide(what I take) says not to drink( or at least "take caution") so I don't. Some meds mix badly with alcohol.