When we quit or cut back on alcohol abruptly, we may experience withdrawal, a period of physical and mental symptoms occurring as our brain tries to regain balance. The abnormal electrical activity from a seizure can scramble normal activity in our brain, which can impact our consciousness, movement, and behavior. There are different types of seizures, but the most common type caused by alcohol withdrawal is generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Alcohol disrupts the signaling of our neurotransmitters, our brain’s chemical messengers. Over time, we develop a tolerance for these disruptions and that becomes the new normal. When we stop drinking, especially after a period of excessive or prolonged consumption, this abrupt change in chemical balance can cause sudden, uncontrolled spurts of electrical activity in our brain, known as seizures.
Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- Someone with a mild-to-moderate alcohol use disorder may have a problem with alcohol without developing significant dependence.
- Next, Myrick et al. 41 compared two doses of gabapentin with lorazepam for outpatient detoxification and followed drinking patterns in the immediate post-detoxification period (again, up to 12 days).
- Prior to the seizure, you may also experience an “aura,” consisting of an unusual visual change, smell, taste, or sound caused by abnormal brain activity.
- An alcohol withdrawal seizure is frequently a generalized tonic-clonic seizure.
- Gabapentin and other NBACs have less evidence supporting their use but have shown potential efficacy.
- Exercise, family time, or cooking may provide distraction and promote your wellness,” Dr Lee said.
Topiramate has substantial evidence of efficacy for treating alcoholism in what is alcoholism this setting as a mono-therapy. Gabapentin and other NBACs have less evidence supporting their use but have shown potential efficacy. Gabapentin is usually easier to titrate clinically and has a more benign side effect profile than topiramate. Topiramate and zonisamide are anticonvulsants approved for the treatment of seizure disorders and migraines and for the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures, respectively.
Can I Drink Alcohol If I Have Seizures or Epilepsy?
Vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature are also closely monitored by detox center staff since sudden changes in any of these readings can quickly lead to medical distress. An individual could not have a seizure due to stopping taking alcohol suddenly but rather due to withdrawal from it. The brain gets depressed by alcohol, and when it is taken away, it can become too excited. This increased activity could cause seizures, which are a severe and potentially life-threatening complication. A dependent person on alcohol who suddenly stops taking it may experience unpredictable damage to his or her brain and other body parts. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend potential hazards along with complexities linked with seizures during this process.
Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Research also suggests that repeated episodes of alcohol withdrawal seizures can make the brain more excitable. As a result, people who previously experienced seizures provoked by binge drinking may start to experience seizures even in the absence of alcohol use – this is called alcohol-induced epilepsy. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and even be life-threatening in severe cases.
Anticonvulsants for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome and Alcohol Use Disorders
These are seizures (convulsions) that can occur 6 to 72 hours after a person with alcohol use disorder stops drinking or significantly reduces their alcohol intake. Approximately 2–5% of those who misuse alcohol will experience alcohol withdrawal seizures. However, you do not have to experience alcohol dependency to have withdrawal seizures. These can also occur due to drinking a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time, also called “binge drinking.” People with a history of detoxification from substances like alcohol are at a higher risk of experiencing seizures. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant that has been approved in Europe for treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, has also been studied for relapse prevention/harm reduction in AUDs. In an initial open-label 16-week trial of pregabalin (150–450 mg/day), ten of 20 patients receiving pregabalin remained alcohol-free at the end of the study—five relapsed, four dropped out, and one discontinued due to adverse effects.
- Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
- If you have a more severe chemical dependence on alcohol, you may experience more severe symptoms more quickly.
- Non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants (NBACs) are increasingly being used both for alcohol withdrawal management and for ongoing outpatient treatment of alcohol dependence, with the goal of either abstinence or harm reduction.
- Without treatment, alcohol withdrawal seizures can progress to status epilepticus or delirium tremens, both of which are life-threatening complications.
Stage 3: Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures
The only definitive way to prevent alcohol withdrawal seizures is to avoid heavy alcohol consumption. For those struggling with alcohol dependency, seeking evidence-based treatment alcohol withdrawal seizure options and professional medical advice is critical to managing the risk of seizures and improving overall health.. Preliminary studies have suggested that the newer anticonvulsants topiramate and zonisamide may treat AWS.
Taking days off within the week is a common strategy to encourage drinking less overall. “Many people still want to enjoy socializing but are mindful of wanting to average one to two drinks per day. They often try to not drink at all during the week, and allow for moderate drinking Friday through Sunday,” Dr Lee said. Many people employ medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use to help curb the euphoric effects of alcohol. Alcohol Tapering can help people start their recovery journey, including those with goals of stopping completely or curbing drinking. Tapering can also https://ecosoberhouse.com/ be effective for people who are unable to attend an in-person program or detox to help them stop drinking.
Emergency Department Considerations
This proactive approach enhances overall health and helps in the early identification of factors that could lead to alcohol-induced seizures. During check-ups, doctors can monitor for signs of chronic conditions that may increase seizure risk, such as hypertension or diabetes. They can also review and adjust any medications that could adversely interact with alcohol, thereby reducing seizure likelihood. Therapy and counseling are essential for managing and preventing alcohol seizures, especially related to alcohol withdrawal. Addressing the psychological aspects of AUD is crucial for long-term recovery and seizure prevention.