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What is Keppra?
Keppra is a type of prescription medication that is used to treat the symptoms of seizures.4 These include partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. It is an antiepileptic drug. The medication is available as 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg oral tablets and as a clear liquid (100 mg/mL).5
Keppra is a brand name for the drug, Levetiracetam.6 Other brands include Elepsia and Spritam.
Keppra is generally prescribed to patients who have epilepsy.3 It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.4 Keppra may also be used in conjunction with some other medications.
What are the Short-Term Effects of Taking Keppra?
Like all drugs, Keppra may have some side effects. Short-term side effects of taking Keppra include, but are not limited to: 4
- Exhaustion
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Irritability
- Aggression
- Loss of appetite
- Congestion
- Infection
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What are the Long-Term Effects of Taking Keppra?
Long-term effects of taking Keppra can include seizures that worsen or change over time. Swelling of the face and throat, as well as difficulty breathing and swallowing, are also concerns.
Is Keppra Habit-Forming?
No, Keppra is not considered a habit-forming medication. While some people may misuse Keppra, they do not become addicted to this drug.
Can I Combine Keppra and Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol in excess while taking Keppra can be dangerous.
While mixing Keppra and alcohol is not ideal, it is generally considered safe to drink in moderation. Moderate consumption should not cause harm.
It is important to note that it will take fewer drinks to feel a ‘drunk’ effect while taking Keppra. So be mindful of the number of drinks consumed if you are on Levetiracetam or other medications to treat the symptoms of seizures.
This means that, while taking Keppra, just one drink may cause you to feel the effects of alcohol while on antiepileptic drugs. In other words, binge drinking is even more dangerous.
Also, note that withdrawal seizures may happen while drinking a lot. They may occur within 7 to 72 hours of stopping drinking. This is why it is important not to stop taking your Keppra medication in the same way it was prescribed just to drink alcohol.
You are more likely to have a seizure from missing your medication than from drinking alcohol. But always remember to drink alcohol in moderation. And talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol while on Levetiracetam or other prescription medications for epilepsy.
If you are struggling with alcohol misuse, consult your doctor before taking Keppra. Alcohol use disorder can worsen your condition, and alcohol withdrawal can also cause dangerous seizures.
Professional help is available to help you navigate alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal safely.
Side Effects & Dangers of Mixing Keppra and Alcohol
There are certain risk factors when combining any prescription drug with alcohol. Prescription medicine for seizure disorders, like Keppra and other drugs, may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Because alcohol has similar effects, you risk feeling the side effects a lot more.
Heavy drinking can cause seizures in anyone, even in people who do not have epilepsy.1 Therefore, drinking too much can be especially dangerous for someone who is taking Keppra to control seizures.
Abusing alcohol may also result in increased mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It may also affect motor coordination.8
How Long After Taking Keppra Can I Drink Alcohol?
Generally speaking, you can drink alcohol after Levetiracetam is administered. But it is best to avoid taking them together and to avoid drinking too much alcohol if you do choose to drink.
Whatever you do, do not stop taking your medication as prescribed throughout the treatment phase. Again, skipping your antiepileptic drugs to drink alcohol is more likely to trigger a seizure (not alcohol itself). But remember that binge drinking can cause seizures, even in people who do not have epilepsy.1
What Else Should I Avoid While Taking Keppra?
Avoiding others drugs that may have similar side effects is wise while taking Keppra. For example, sleep medications that make you drowsy may worsen the side effects of Keppra.
Consult your doctor about any dangerous drug interactions. Some medications, such as macrogol (a laxative); other epilepsy medicines like oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, and phenobarbital; and methotrexate (for arthritis) may be dangerous.7
Do I Have a Drinking Problem?
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol misuse, professional help is available. You are not alone.
In 2019, 25.8 percent of people ages 18 and older reported engaging in binge drinking in the past month.2 Meanwhile, 6.3 percent reported engaging in heavy alcohol use in the past month.2
Worse, an estimated 14.5 million people ages 12 and older suffer from alcohol use disorder. This includes 9 million men and 5.5 million women.2
If you believe that you have a drinking problem, consult a medical professional before it gets worse. If you are questioning if you need help, it is likely that you do.
Symptoms of Alcohol Misuse & Addiction
Common signs of a drinking problem include the following: 2
- Constantly thinking about alcohol
- Inability to limit or cut alcohol intake
- Mood swings when not drinking alcohol
- Temptation to drink alcohol alone often
- Lying about alcohol consumption
- Allowing alcohol to get in the way of responsibilities and obligations
- Allowing alcohol to come before passions and hobbies
Alcohol use disorder can take a serious toll on both your physical and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of alcohol misuse and addiction, reach out for help immediately.
Alcohol use disorder can be fatal.
Treatment Options for Alcohol Misuse & Addiction
If you or someone you know is misusing alcohol, seek professional help. Rehabilitation centers, cognitive behavioral therapy, group support sessions, holistic therapy, and more options are available.
You do not need to navigate alcohol withdrawal alone. And it is not safe to do it on your own.
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