Can You Drink Alcohol With Keppra?

Alcohol and epilepsy drugs are often a tricky combination, but can you drink alcohol while taking Keppra? This is a common question for many people who have been prescribed the anti-epileptic medication. In this article, we’ll explore the potential risks and benefits of drinking alcohol with Keppra, as well as some tips for staying safe when consuming alcohol while taking the drug. Read on to learn more about this important topic.

Can You Safely Drink Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic medication used to treat partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is important for people taking this medication to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol while taking Keppra. This article will explore the interaction between alcohol and Keppra and discuss the potential risks and precautions to consider.

Alcohol can interact with Keppra in a way that can increase the risk of side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. When taken in combination with Keppra, alcohol can cause increased drowsiness and dizziness, impaired motor skills and coordination, and increased risk of falls and other accidents. It can also increase the risk of seizures, so it is important to be especially cautious when drinking alcohol while taking Keppra.

Although there is no contraindication against drinking alcohol while taking Keppra, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take extra caution. It is recommended to limit the amount of alcohol consumed while taking Keppra and to discuss potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

What Are the Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

Alcohol can interact with Keppra in a way that can increase the risk of side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of drinking alcohol while taking Keppra include drowsiness, dizziness, impaired motor skills and coordination, and increased risk of falls and other accidents. There is also an increased risk of seizures, so it is important to be especially cautious when drinking alcohol while taking Keppra.

Additionally, alcohol can interact with Keppra in a way that can reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Thus, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take extra caution when drinking alcohol while taking Keppra.

What Is the Recommended Amount of Alcohol to Drink While Taking Keppra?

It is recommended to limit the amount of alcohol consumed while taking Keppra. The exact amount of alcohol that is considered safe to drink while taking Keppra will vary from person to person, so it is important to discuss potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

In general, it is recommended to avoid drinking more than one or two alcoholic beverages per day while taking Keppra. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of drinking alcohol while taking Keppra and to take extra caution.

What Are the Precautions to Consider When Drinking Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

When drinking alcohol while taking Keppra, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take extra caution. It is recommended to limit the amount of alcohol consumed while taking Keppra and to discuss potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of any signs of alcohol intoxication, such as confusion, slurred speech, impaired balance, or difficulty walking. If any of these signs occur, it is important to stop drinking immediately and seek medical help if necessary.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Other Medications Along With Keppra?

When taking any medications, including Keppra, it is important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications and alcohol. It is recommended to discuss any potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol while taking any medications.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the potential risks of drinking alcohol while taking any medications. It is recommended to limit the amount of alcohol consumed while taking Keppra or any other medications and to always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist.

What Should I Do if I Experience Any Side Effects After Drinking Alcohol While Taking Keppra?

If any side effects occur after drinking alcohol while taking Keppra, it is important to stop drinking immediately and seek medical help if necessary. Additionally, it is important to discuss any potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol while taking any medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Keppra?

Keppra is a brand name prescription medication used to treat epilepsy and seizures. It is a type of anticonvulsant medication that works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is sometimes also prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and migraine headaches.

2. What are the side effects of Keppra?

Keppra can cause a number of side effects, including fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, and headaches. It can also cause more serious side effects such as depression, confusion, mood changes, and suicidal thoughts.

3. What is the recommended dosage of Keppra?

The recommended dosage of Keppra depends on the patient’s age, weight, and medical condition. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and never change the dosage without consulting a doctor.

4. Can you drink alcohol with Keppra?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Keppra. Alcohol can increase the risk of Keppra side effects, and can also interact with the medication and increase the risk of seizures.

5. What should I do if I miss a dose of Keppra?

If you miss a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not double up on doses.

6. Are there any other safety precautions to consider when taking Keppra?

Yes, it is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking, as some medications can interact with Keppra and increase the risk of seizures. It is also important to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking Keppra, as it can cause drowsiness and impaired judgment.

Dr Andrew Bleasel – Alcohol & Epilepsy

In conclusion, while there is no definitive answer as to whether or not it is safe to drink alcohol while taking Keppra, it is best to be aware of the potential risks and to speak to your doctor before doing so. Not only could the combination of Keppra and alcohol be dangerous, but it could also reduce the effectiveness of either substance. It is important to remember that everyone is different and that what works for one person may not work for another, so it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and medication.