epilepsy and alcohol consumption

Last reviewed 01/2018

A study of moderate social drinking (1-3.5 units of alcohol during a 2-hour period twice a week for 16 weeks) in a group of epileptic patients, has been shown to have had no effect on seizure frequency, EEG activity or concentrations of phenytoin, carbamazepine, or ethosuximide.

The trial was a double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 29 patients.

Binge drinking may cause seizures because of fluid overload and/or fluctuating concentrations of alcohol.

Epileptic patients can, in general, safely drink 1-2 units of alcohol per day. However binge drinking should be avoided.

Advice to patients regarding drinking alcohol if they have epilepsy(3)

• drinking no more than one or two units of alcohol in 24 hours doesn't usually increase the risk of having seizures. But if you have a history of alcohol abuse, even drinking small amounts could increase the number of seizures you have. This also applies if you have previously had seizures related to drinking alcohol
• drinking more than two units of alcohol in 24 hours can increase the risk of having seizures. For most people, the risk is highest when the alcohol is leaving their body after they have had a drink. This risk is between six and 48 hours after they have stopped drinking

Reference:

• Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin (1996), Drugs and alcohol: harmful cocktails?, 34 (5), 36-8.
• Hoppener RJ et al (1983), Epilepsy and alcohol: the influence of social intake on seizures and treatment in epilepsy, Epilepsia, 24, 459-71.
• Epilepsy Action (2010). Epilepsy and alcohol