Community Forum Archive
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.
Alcohol Related Seizures
Wed, 06/26/2019 - 23:46Topic: Share Your Story
Hi, I am 24 years old and have had 4 grand mal seizures. My first seizure occurred when I was 21. All have been after heavy nights of drinking. I drank heavily plenty of times before that and never had any problems with seizures. I usually wake up the next morning and have something to eat and then the seizure usually occurs. I have never had a seizure before when I was not drinking heavily and I have never taken any seizure medicine before. I have had plenty of EEGs and other tests and the doctors say everything always looks normal. I gave up drinking alcohol and haven't had a seizure in over a year. Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I started drinking again and then just took seizure medicine the next morning because it really sucks not being able to drink when you're 24 and single.
I would appreciate any feedback or if anyone has any type of idea what is going on.
Comments
Seizure medicines don't work
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2019-06-28 - 08:47
Seizure medicines don't work when you take them once in a while. They work only when taken daily so your body keeps a stable level of medicine in your system at all times. Seizures after heavy drinking are not uncommon and only by not drinking can you prevent seizures. However, sometimes seizures can start without alcohol use so keep in touch with your health care team. Lots of ways people get by without drinking. If a person feels uncomfortable in front of others, get a nonalcoholic drink so you feel like you 'fit in' . Go to places where people don't depend on drinking! There are lots of places and people who don't drink. Talk to your friends about how you feel and make friends with people who don't drink. Good look and please hang in there without the alcohol!
Hi bW_5d143a0599a33, Thanks
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-06-27 - 10:12
Hi bW_5d143a0599a33, Thanks so much for sharing your story and congratulations on being seizure free for over a year, that’s fantastic news!We also understand this can be a frustrating experience. It’s important that you discuss with your healthcare team what individual treatment is best for you and how alcohol use affects your treatment. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdfModerate to heavy alcohol use is never recommended for people with epilepsy. Alcohol and some seizure drugs have similar side effects and using both at the same time can lead to bothersome and potentially dangerous problems. Learn more about epilepsy & alcohol here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/alcohol One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernsContact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: epilepsy.com/localsupport , to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. 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