Beer And Levetiracetam: Is It Safe To Drink?

Levetiracetam, also known by the brand name Keppra, is a medication used to treat seizures and epilepsy. While it is possible to drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam, it is generally advised against as it can heighten the side effects of the medication, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment and concentration. Heavy drinking can also increase the risk of seizures, even in those without epilepsy. Therefore, it is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to no more than the recommended guidelines of up to 14 units per week when taking levetiracetam. It is also important to note that drinking alcohol is not a substitute for taking levetiracetam, and suddenly stopping the medication can cause seizures.

Drinking alcohol with levetiracetam is not recommended as it can heighten the medication's side effects

Drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam is not recommended. Both alcohol and levetiracetam affect the central nervous system and can heighten each other's side effects. This can make mild symptoms like fatigue or dizziness much more severe.

Levetiracetam can cause side effects such as fatigue and loss of energy, especially within the first few weeks or months of taking it. Alcohol can increase these side effects and cause further nervous system issues such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impaired judgement and thinking.

The combination of levetiracetam and alcohol can also increase the risk of mood swings and suicidal thoughts. This is because both substances impact certain neurotransmitters in the brain that depress the central nervous system, potentially leading to an imbalance in brain chemicals.

Additionally, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of seizures, even in people who are not prone to them or do not have epilepsy. Since levetiracetam is often prescribed to treat seizures, drinking alcohol can interfere with the medication's effectiveness and further increase the risk of seizures.

While it may not be ideal, drinking alcohol in moderation while taking levetiracetam is generally considered safe. However, it is important to be mindful of the number of drinks consumed, as it will take fewer drinks to feel the 'drunk' effect while taking levetiracetam. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units per week.

Alcohol and levetiracetam both affect the central nervous system

Combining alcohol and levetiracetam may increase nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It could also impair your thinking and judgment. Therefore, it is recommended that you avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking levetiracetam.

If you are taking levetiracetam, it is important to be aware of how it affects you before drinking alcohol. During the first few days of taking levetiracetam, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol until you know how the medication affects you. If you do drink, it is recommended to not exceed the guidelines of up to 14 units of alcohol per week.

If you have any questions or concerns about drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam, be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Levetiracetam is sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms like seizures

Levetiracetam is an anti-epileptic medication that can be used to treat partial onset seizures. It is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms like seizures. It works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain that cause seizures.

Alcohol withdrawal can cause excitability in the brain, which can be reduced by levetiracetam. It can block ethanol-seeking behaviour by inhibiting α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. It can also help to reduce excitability associated with alcohol withdrawal by attenuating the negative allosteric effects of zinc and β-carboline on brain GABAA and glycine receptors.

In addition, levetiracetam has been found to decrease symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal. For example, animal studies have demonstrated a reduction in the symptoms of chlordiazepoxide withdrawal. Clinical trials have also shown that a group of actively drinking alcohol-dependent individuals either significantly reduced their drinking or achieved abstinence with levetiracetam treatment.

Levetiracetam is usually started at 250 or 500 mg twice a day and can be increased by 500 mg twice a day every 2 weeks, depending on how well a person tolerates it. The recommended dose is 1500 mg twice a day for a total of 3000 mg daily. It is important to note that levetiracetam should not be stopped suddenly, as it can cause seizures.

Drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam can cause mood swings and suicidal thoughts

Firstly, alcohol can increase certain side effects of levetiracetam, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It is important to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, when combining levetiracetam with alcohol. Additionally, some people may experience impairment in thinking and judgment when drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam.

Secondly, levetiracetam has been known to cause changes in mood and behaviour, including mood swings and severe anxiety. In rare cases, it may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. This side effect is seen more often in young children than in adults. It is crucial to monitor any changes in mood or behaviour while taking this medication and to report them to a doctor.

Therefore, while it is not strictly prohibited to drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects. It is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while being treated with levetiracetam and to follow the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

It is advised to consult a doctor about drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam

When taking levetiracetam, it is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption. This is because drinking alcohol while on this medication can lead to impaired judgment, thinking, and concentration. It can also increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. These effects can impact one's ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform well at work or school. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the medication affects you before engaging in any activities that require mental alertness.

Additionally, drinking alcohol while taking levetiracetam can increase the risk of seizures, even in individuals who are not prone to them. This is because binge drinking can trigger seizures, and the combination of alcohol and the medication can make it more difficult for the body to manage seizures. It is important to note that skipping doses of levetiracetam to drink alcohol is more likely to trigger a seizure than alcohol consumption itself.

Moreover, mixing alcohol and levetiracetam can lead to mood swings and suicidal thoughts. Alcohol impacts certain neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to an imbalance in chemicals that regulate mood and mental health. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with alcohol use disorders to seek medical assistance when trying to reduce their alcohol consumption.

In summary, while it may be possible to drink alcohol in moderation while taking levetiracetam, it is essential to consult a doctor beforehand. The doctor will be able to provide personalised advice and guidance based on the individual's medical history, medication dosage, and other relevant factors. They can also help manage any side effects or risks associated with combining alcohol and levetiracetam.

Frequently asked questions