Alcohol

Having epilepsy and taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t drink alcohol, but it’s important to bear these facts in mind.

• AEDs can make you more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and alcohol can exaggerate some side effects of AEDs. If your AEDs make you feel sleepy, dizzy or light-headed for example, alcohol might make this worse.

• Drinking a lot can cause you to have ‘withdrawal seizures’. These seizures may begin within seven to 72 hours of stopping drinking.

• It’s important not to miss taking your AEDs. You’re far more likely to have a seizure by missing your AEDs than by having an occasional drink.

• More information about alcohol