What Happens When You Combine Keppra and Alcohol?

Keppra is a commonly prescribed medication for managing epilepsy and controlling seizures. However, many individuals may not fully understand the risks associated with combining Keppra and alcohol. As a depressant, alcohol impacts the central nervous system, and when taken alongside medications like Keppra, it can lead to unpredictable and potentially harmful consequences.

For those managing epilepsy or similar conditions, it is vital to be aware of how alcohol can diminish the medication’s effectiveness and affect overall well-being. Whether you are taking Keppra yourself or looking after someone who is, it is essential to grasp the dangers of mixing alcohol with other substances like Keppra to ensure both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

What Is Keppra?

Keppra is the brand name for levetiracetam, a medication used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders, classified as an anticonvulsant. It is frequently prescribed for individuals experiencing various seizure types, including generalized seizures associated with epilepsy and partial seizures.

WebMD explains that a seizure occurs when brain neurons, which transmit chemical and electrical signals, become overly active. Keppra works by attaching to a brain protein known as SV2A, which helps to stabilize brain activity and decrease seizure occurrences by facilitating the release of specific neurotransmitters.

Although levetiracetam is effective in managing seizures and epilepsy, like all medications, it may lead to side effects.

Some of the most common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Irritability
• Feeling unusually weak or tired
• Dizziness
• Mood swings
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea or vomiting

Typically, mild side effects such as drowsiness, weakness, and dizziness may diminish as the body adapts to Keppra. However, these side effects can intensify if Keppra is taken alongside other substances, including alcohol. It is crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding potential drug interactions or if side effects continue to be an issue.

Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

It is generally not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Keppra, especially while the body adjusts to the medication and experiences more side effects. As noted by MedicalNewsToday, drinking alcohol while taking Keppra can worsen some of its side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Both alcohol and Keppra can have central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects, which means they can heighten one another’s sedative effects, leading to extreme tiredness or difficulty staying awake.

Excessive alcohol intake alone can induce dizziness, and when combined with Keppra, it may lead to further balance and coordination problems, increasing the likelihood of falls or accidents. Moreover, Keppra can cause issues with memory, mood fluctuations, and concentration, which may become more severe with alcohol consumption.

A significant concern for those taking Keppra is how alcohol might affect seizure management. While Keppra is designed to prevent seizures, alcohol can lower the seizure threshold, potentially undermining the medication’s effectiveness. Additionally, alcohol can lead to dehydration, which further raises the risk of seizures.

Both alcohol and Keppra can influence mood and behavior. Keppra has been associated with mood swings, irritability, and even aggressive tendencies in some individuals. Alcohol can impair judgment, heighten feelings of depression, and reduce inhibitions.

When these two are combined, the risk of mood alterations increases, which can have negative repercussions, especially for those already susceptible to mood swings or depression. This combination can even result in suicidal thoughts or actions in some people.

While moderate alcohol intake may not always result in severe complications for everyone taking Keppra, the associated risks—particularly concerning seizure control and CNS effects—are considerable. It is always wise to exercise caution and adhere to a doctor’s recommendations regarding alcohol consumption while on any medication.

What Are the Long-Term Risks of Drinking Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

While the immediate effects of alcohol, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and coordination issues, are often highlighted, the combination of chronic alcohol use and Keppra can lead to more severe complications. Alcohol may diminish the effectiveness of Keppra, particularly when consumed in large quantities or over extended periods, potentially triggering or increasing the likelihood of seizures.

Long-term alcohol consumption can result in physical dependence, and if a heavy drinker suddenly stops, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. For individuals on Keppra, this situation complicates treatment, as withdrawal seizures can occur alongside those related to their seizure disorder.

Additionally, alcohol negatively impacts cognitive function and memory, and its combination with Keppra could worsen these impairments. Chronic alcohol use may blur the lines between the side effects of both substances.

Prolonged use of alcohol with Keppra can further hinder judgment and decision-making, leading to risky behaviors, such as forgetting to take medication or engaging in actions that heighten the risk of seizures.

Although the liver does not extensively metabolize Keppra compared to other anticonvulsants, long-term alcohol consumption can place extra stress on the liver, potentially affecting how Keppra is metabolized. This is particularly concerning for heavy drinkers, as it may alter the medication’s concentration in the bloodstream and reduce its effectiveness.

Furthermore, Keppra can sometimes lead to mood swings, irritability, and behavioral changes in certain individuals. Alcohol can amplify these side effects, and chronic alcohol abuse may contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, which can be especially difficult for those already dealing with seizure disorders.

How Can Keppra and Alcohol Affect People With Pre-existing Conditions?

When combining Keppra with alcohol, it’s essential to be aware of several potential side effects, particularly for those with existing health issues. According to Drugs.com, seniors, children, and individuals with certain medical conditions—such as liver or kidney disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and seizure disorders—are at a higher risk of experiencing a broader range of side effects, especially if they are also taking other medications.

Elderly individuals or those with coordination challenges should exercise extra caution when consuming alcohol while on Keppra, as the risk of falls increases due to heightened side effects like dizziness, imbalance, and drowsiness. This is particularly concerning for those susceptible to bone fractures, such as individuals with osteoporosis.

Alcohol can put additional strain on the liver and kidneys, so those with pre-existing conditions affecting these organs should be especially careful with alcohol consumption, as it may worsen their conditions and interfere with the metabolism of Keppra.

While Keppra generally does not directly impact heart function, some users may notice changes in blood pressure or heart rate as side effects. Mixing alcohol with Keppra could potentially worsen heart-related issues or lead to unwanted variations in blood pressure and heart rate.

Moreover, individuals with existing mental health conditions should be wary of combining alcohol with Keppra, as it may intensify symptoms and increase the likelihood of mood swings, anxiety, and depression. This is particularly critical for those with a history of substance use disorders, as they may feel compelled to drink more heavily to alleviate these symptoms.

Get Help With Keppra and Alcohol Abuse at Muse Treatment

Mixing Keppra and alcohol can lead to serious risks, including a reduction in Keppra’s effectiveness, which may result in seizures. If you’re taking Keppra and struggling to quit drinking, Muse Treatment is here to help. We offer tailored treatment plans that focus on addiction’s physical and psychological aspects, guaranteeing you receive thorough care.

We recognize the challenges of overcoming chronic alcohol dependence, especially for those with existing seizure disorders. Our medical detox program features round-the-clock supervision from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses who prioritize patient safety and can provide medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

For more information about our alcohol detox and rehabilitation services, reach out to Muse Treatment in LA at 800-426-1818.

External Sources

• WebMD – Levetiracetam (Keppra, Spritam) – Uses, Side Effects, and More
• MedicalNewsToday – Keppra interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors
• Drugs.com – Keppra Patient Tips