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Is It Safe to Combine Carbamazepine and Alcohol?

Andrew Kirmayer
Andrew Kirmayer

Carbamazepine is a pharmaceutical drug used to treat people with epilepsy or other seizure-related problems. The side effects of carbamazepine can be similar to the effects of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, so carbamazepine and alcohol are not considered to be a good combination. Side effects can be made worse and as with other anti-seizure medicines, a person’s tolerance to drinking is much lower. This anticonvulsant has been also been used to treat people who have alcohol withdrawal to lower the number of seizures associated with detoxification.

This medication can be useful in treating a variety of seizure-inducing conditions. It dissolves easily in alcohol, and someone who takes the drug and drinks is likely to experience extreme drowsiness. Carbamazepine and alcohol together increase the severity and frequency of side effects. Dizziness and headaches are common side effects of carbamazepine. The dizziness, unsteadiness, and fatigue that can result from consuming large amounts of alcohol can lead to dangerous results, especially when combined with this drug.

EEG tests have revealed that combining carbamazepine and alcohol do not typically create changes in brain activity.
EEG tests have revealed that combining carbamazepine and alcohol do not typically create changes in brain activity.

Carbamazepine can have adverse effects on the liver. Alcohol is also processed in the liver where excess consumption can cause problems, another reason why carbamazepine and alcohol should not be taken together. People with epilepsy are often advised by physicians not to drink alcohol, though light to moderate drinking generally does not make seizures worse. Small amounts of alcohol can suppress the activity leading to seizures, but convulsions can occur from hours to days after someone stops drinking.

Carbamazepine and alcohol should not be mixed, since they have similar side effects.
Carbamazepine and alcohol should not be mixed, since they have similar side effects.

Binge drinking and withdrawal can make seizures occur more often, especially for people with epilepsy. Three or more drinks are typically enough to cause a problem. Carbamazepine and alcohol do not usually create changes in brain activity on an electroencephalogram (EEG), or on a blood test. Since alcohol withdrawal has a profound effect on the nervous system, however, the neurological disturbances associated with seizures can be exacerbated by the combination and possibly be life threatening.

Common side effects of carbamazepine are dizziness and headache.
Common side effects of carbamazepine are dizziness and headache.

Aside from the adverse effects of carbamazepine and alcohol, excessive drinking can trigger epilepsy in some people. The condition can remain even if they stop drinking. No matter what dosage of carbamazepine is prescribed, patients should avoid drinking. Which conditions or diseases treated with the drug do not usually make a difference in this recommendation, because the neurological effects of both combine to make the side effects worse. It is also important to be aware of when possibly serious side effects begin, which is another reason to be sober while taking carbamazepine.

Discussion Comments

anon954216

I drink a ton on this medication and I doesn't affect me one bit.

donasmrs

My doctor said absolutely no drinking while on this medication, so I haven't even had a sip. I already have so many side effect from carbamazepine, I'm sure alcohol on top of it would ruin me.

SarahGen

@anmaur-- I have had a few beers on carbamazepine but I took it very slowly so that if there were side effects, I could stop. I also made sure to eat and drink plenty of water. I have tolerated this amount of alcohol fine while on carbamazepine as long as it wasn't too often.

You have to keep in mind though that everyone is different. I might be okay with a few drinks but even a single drink might make you sick while on carbamazepine.

So if you want to try alcohol, only have a few sips and wait a half hour or more to see how you feel. You should also check with your doctor before doing this. Only you and your doctor know your situation, so you have to make an informed decision yourself. I just shared my experience.

serenesurface

I don't drink often but I do usually have a glass at special occasions. I will be going to a wedding next month and I want to be able to toast to the couple with some champagne. Is half a glass or a full glass of champagne acceptable while on carbamazepine?

I know that it's not advised to mix them, but the type of alcohol and the amount must make a difference, right? Will a glass of champagne cause side effects?

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    • EEG tests have revealed that combining carbamazepine and alcohol do not typically create changes in brain activity.
      By: Tobilander
      EEG tests have revealed that combining carbamazepine and alcohol do not typically create changes in brain activity.
    • Carbamazepine and alcohol should not be mixed, since they have similar side effects.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Carbamazepine and alcohol should not be mixed, since they have similar side effects.
    • Common side effects of carbamazepine are dizziness and headache.
      By: Focus Pocus LTD
      Common side effects of carbamazepine are dizziness and headache.
    • Carbamazepine and alcohol can both have damaging effects on the liver.
      By: orcea david
      Carbamazepine and alcohol can both have damaging effects on the liver.
    • Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger epilepsy in some drinkers.
      By: Sergey Nivens
      Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger epilepsy in some drinkers.