Alchohol and Epilepsy

Alcohol and Seizure Facts

Seizure medication can lower your alcohol tolerance, making you drunk faster than usual.

Many people with epilepsy are at a higher risk for seizures after 3 or more alcoholic beverages.

How Should I Manage Alcohol if I Have seizures?

• Avoid drinking, if you can.
• Avoid binge drinking.
  • Withdrawal seizures from alcohol may occur 6 to 72 hours after the drinking has stopped.
  • If this continues, someone with epilepsy can develop status epilepticus, which can cause death or brain damage.
• Don't abuse alcohol.
  • Get help if you are someone who abuses alcohol.
  • Alcohol withdrawal seizures may worsen your epilepsy.
  • These types of alcohol withdrawal seizures are also common in people who don't have epilepsy.
• Talk to your doctor and health care team about alcohol consumption and your seizures or epilepsy.
  • While driving, alcohol, and seizure medication combinations are dangerous.

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