Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Keppra is a prescription medication that treats seizure symptoms.4 These include partial onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. Keppra 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 people who have epilepsy.3 It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants.4 Keppra may also be used with other medications.
Like all drugs, Keppra may have side effects. Short-term side effects of taking Keppra include, but are not limited to: 4
Long-term effects of taking Keppra can include:
No, Keppra is not considered a habit-forming medication. While some people may misuse Keppra, they do not become addicted to it.
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Drinking alcohol in excess while taking Keppra can be dangerous.
While mixing Keppra and alcohol is not ideal, drinking it in moderation is generally considered safe. Moderate consumption should not cause harm.
It will take fewer drinks to feel a ‘drunk’ effect while taking Keppra. Be mindful of the number of drinks you consume 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 as prescribed, just to drink alcohol.
You are more likely to have a seizure from missing your medication than from drinking alcohol. Always remember to drink alcohol in moderation. 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 (AUD) can worsen your condition, and alcohol withdrawal can also cause dangerous seizures.
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 a lot more side effects.
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 takes Keppra to control seizures.
Abusing alcohol may also result in:8
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. Skipping antiepileptic drugs to drink alcohol is more likely to trigger a seizure (not alcohol itself). Remember that binge drinking can cause seizures, even in people who do not have epilepsy.1
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 include:7
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 aged 18 and older reported binge drinking in the past month.2 Meanwhile, 6.3 percent reported heavy alcohol use in the past month.2
Worse, an estimated 14.5 million people ages 12 and older suffer from AUD. This includes 9 million men and 5.5 million women.2
If you believe you have a drinking problem, consult a medical professional as soon as possible. If you are questioning if you need help, you most likely do.
Common signs of a drinking problem include: 2
AUD 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. AUD can be fatal.
There are several treatment options available for AUD and addiction, including:
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