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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What food and drinks to avoid with kepppra

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Houston, TX
August 14
 · 
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Ive been on it since 2000. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, bad fats and too much sugar or salt at once (moderation is key)

August 14
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have been on it since the early 2000s, but I was never told to avoid anything. I have started working to reduce the weight, so I now eat differently, but I used to drink soda multiple times a day and no water. I had many spicy foods and many other foods. I was only told by this medicine to avoid grapefruits, and I hate their smell, so I did not mind not having them. Do be careful with this; if anger flares, there is a need to have it addressed. There are many who it does not affect, but there is a need to have that watched.

August 17
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I can't help you as I'm allergic to Keppra.

August 14
MyEpilepsyTeam

When taking levetiracetam (Keppra), certain drinks are worth being cautious about, as they can increase seizure risk or interfere with how the medication works.

Here are the main drinks to be mindful of:

- Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, etc.) — These contain very high levels of caffeine, which can trigger Show Full Answer

When taking levetiracetam (Keppra), certain drinks are worth being cautious about, as they can increase seizure risk or interfere with how the medication works.

Here are the main drinks to be mindful of:

- Energy drinks (Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, etc.) — These contain very high levels of caffeine, which can trigger seizures even in people without epilepsy. A MyEpilepsyTeam member shared that after regularly drinking energy drinks, their seizure activity increased and they ended up hospitalized.
- Alcohol — Moderate to large amounts can lower your seizure threshold and make you feel intoxicated more quickly. Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is even riskier.
- Highly caffeinated coffees and sodas — Large amounts of caffeine can be problematic, though moderate amounts are generally considered lower risk. Safer drink alternatives include:

- Green tea in moderation
- Decaffeinated coffee, teas, and sodas
- Water (staying hydrated is especially important)

As for alcohol specifically, the Epilepsy Foundation notes that no more than two drinks per day usually doesn't significantly affect seizure medication levels — but this is a general guideline and may not apply to everyone. It's always a good idea to have an open conversation with a neurologist or pharmacist about specific dietary habits. They can give personalized guidance based on the full picture of medications and lifestyle.

August 14

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