Alcohol and Keppra: Possible Risks and Side Effects When Combining the Two

Alcohol and Keppra. Is it okay, or is it a dangerous combination?

It might just be more dangerous to combine the two than you think. 

We will explore in depth what can happen when you drink while taking Keppra, how to ensure you take Keppra safely, and where you can get help if alcohol use is a problem for you.

Table of Contents

• Can You Drink Alcohol With Keppra?
• How Much Alcohol Can You Drink While on Keppra?
• Potential Risks and Side Effects of Combining Alcohol and Keppra
• Practice These Guidelines When Taking Keppra
• Keppra Use for Alcohol Withdrawal and Detox
• Let Dove Recovery Help You on Your Alcohol Rehab Journey

You should not drink alcohol with Keppra (levetiracetam). Both impact the central nervous system and can intensify the side effects of one another in dangerous ways. 

The central nervous system (CNS) can be simply described as the body's processing center and includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain controls thought, movement, learning, and feeling. The spinal cord facilitates the transfer of messages through nerves from the brain to and from the rest of the body. The CNS controls both voluntary activities, like walking and talking, and involuntary activities, like breathing and heartbeat. 

It’s easy to see when looking at the full role of the CNS in the human body that mixing a powerful drug with alcohol, both of which impact the CNS, could lead to major problems and complications.

Doctors advise against mixing Keppra with alcohol because it can worsen side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. If you decide to drink socially on occasion while using Keppra, it’s important to discuss the risks and potential interactions with your doctor. 

In addition to the above-mentioned side effects and interactions, heavy drinking while using Keppra can potentially increase the risk and the severity of seizures. If you struggle with alcohol use or dependence and your doctor is recommending Keppra, you must be honest about your alcohol use. 

For different patients taking Keppra, occasional social drinking may be more or less of a risk. Your doctor can look at your medical history to determine how much of a risk drinking is for you. 

We know that some risks come with the consumption of alcohol while taking prescribed Keppra. Let’s explore a bit more deeply what those potential risks are. 

Here are some of the specific dangers and risks of combining alcohol and Keppra:

• Increased likelihood of seizures: Alcohol lowers the threshold for seizures, which can make it more likely for a person with epilepsy to experience a seizure after drinking.
• Interference with medication: Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications like Keppra. This can potentially lead to more frequent or severe seizures.
• Increased side effects: Both alcohol and Keppra can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. Combining the two substances can intensify these effects and greatly increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Liver damage: Alcohol overuse can damage the liver, which can impact the way Keppra is metabolized in the body.
• Mood changes: Both Keppra and alcohol can affect mood, and combining the two substances can increase the risk of mood changes, such as anxiety or depression. In some patients, the mixing of the two has led to severe mood side effects like suicidal thoughts. 

If these potential risks are worrisome, and you know that quitting alcohol is a struggle for you, help is available. Dove Recovery in Columbus, Ohio, offers discrete, professional rehab programs for alcohol use disorder. 

Staying safe while using Keppra requires some care and consideration, but it is not too hard to do. Here are some recommended guidelines to ensure your safe use of Keppra.

Take Keppra as Prescribed by Your Doctor

As with any prescribed medication, it is critical to take your meds as prescribed. Keppra comes in several forms, including:

• Oral tablets
• Extended-release* oral tablets (Keppra XR)
• Oral liquid solution
• Solution for IV injection

The form and dose your doctor prescribes depends on factors like your age, weight, and other health considerations. Do not stop taking Keppra or take it less or more frequently than prescribed without talking to your doctor. 

Keep a Seizure Diary

Keeping a record of your seizures can help you and your doctor determine if Keppra is working effectively for you. In your seizure diary, be sure to include the following information about every seizure you experience:

• Date
• Time
• Duration
• Any triggers or other factors that may have contributed to the seizure

Avoid Other Substances That Can Interfere With Keppra

The following classes of drugs and substances can interact with Keppra and potentially interfere with its effectiveness:

• Benzodiazepines
• Sedating antihistamines
• Certain antidepressants
• Certain antipsychotics
• Carbamazepine 
• Alcohol
• Marijuana

Your doctor needs to know all the medications, substances, supplements, and vitamins you take, prescribed and over the counter, to inform you about potential interactions and side effects. You and your doctor should make an informed decision about whether Keppra is the right drug for you and if any other meds or substances should be adjusted 

Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet

Wearing a medical alert bracelet can help ensure that emergency responders provide appropriate care in the event of a seizure or other medical crisis. The bracelet should state that you have epilepsy and are taking Keppra.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Living a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of seizures and other complications associated with epilepsy. 

Here are some ways you can improve your overall health and lifestyle:

• Get enough sleep
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balanced diet
• Manage stress
• Get sober from alcohol

When a person stops drinking alcohol after prolonged and heavy use, they often experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from mild to severe. 

These symptoms can include:

• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Seizures
• Hallucinations

In some more severe cases, anticonvulsant medications like Keppra may be used to manage these symptoms during alcohol detox. Keppra can be effective in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures during alcohol withdrawal. It works by suppressing abnormal brain activity that can trigger seizures. Keppra should only be used for alcohol detox under the guidance of a healthcare professional and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for alcohol addiction.

While Keppra can be an effective tool in managing withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox, it is just one component of a larger treatment plan for alcohol addiction. Other forms of treatment and rehab, such as counseling, 12-step programs, and peer support groups combined with medications for detox provide the best chances of success in recovery from alcohol dependence. 

If you are ready to quit alcohol, you are not alone, and support is available. Dove Recovery in Columbus, Ohio is fully equipped to support your detox and recovery every step of the way. We offer discreet and professional services that will help you change your life for the better. Reach out to our professional team today to get started on your recovery journey.