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I recently had to take a liquid cold medication, It contains alcohol. Alcohol can react with AEDs and cause a seizure. Anyone have ideas

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Crestview Hills, KY

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April 2
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member It depends what it is. Some meds that have alcohol in them its barely anything but some meds it can be a little stronger (still not enough) but enough for them to say I think you should be careful. There is a cough med I was getting a few years ago and it has alcohol in it. If you do everything properly its fine but if you go a little overboard you can tell.

It depends on the person as well some people will be more sensitive to it then others.

April 2
MyEpilepsyTeam

Can liquid cold medication with alcohol affect my seizure control?

The small amount of alcohol in liquid cold medications is generally much less than what's found in alcoholic beverages. However, it's still important to be cautious since alcohol can interact with anti-seizure medications.

Alcohol can worsen side effects of Show Full Answer

Can liquid cold medication with alcohol affect my seizure control?

The small amount of alcohol in liquid cold medications is generally much less than what's found in alcoholic beverages. However, it's still important to be cautious since alcohol can interact with anti-seizure medications.

Alcohol can worsen side effects of AEDs like drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. It may also lower your seizure threshold, especially in larger amounts.

Here are some safer alternatives to consider:

* Ask your pharmacist for alcohol-free cold medication formulations
* Look for tablet or capsule versions of cold medications instead of liquid
* Check labels carefully - many brands offer alcohol-free options
* Consider non-medicated remedies like rest, hydration, and steam inhalation

What you should do:

Contact your neurologist or pharmacist about the specific cold medication you took. They can tell you if the alcohol content is concerning given your particular AED and dosage.

For future reference, always check with your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter medications. They can recommend products that won't interact with your seizure medications.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or increased seizure activity after taking the medication, contact your healthcare provider right away.

April 2
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

In my opinion , you would have to drink the whole thing before it does any effect to us or our meds

April 2

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