Keppra XR Alcohol Interaction

Keppra XR Alcohol

Keppra XR generic name levetiracetam belongs to the family of drugs known as anti-epileptic drugs and is used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and chidren who are 4 or older. It is also used to treat tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children who are 6 or older and myoclonic seizures in adults and children 12 or older.

Do not consume alcohol not even moderate consumption while using this medication as the side effects may be greatly increased.

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.

I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.

Do not stop taking this drug without discussing the effects of doing so with your physician.

Before starting this drug advise your physician if you are pregnant, plan to be so, are breastfeeding, are allergic to this or any other drug or substance, have kidney disease.

Side Effects

Less serious side effects are dizziness, spinning sensation, drowsiness, feeling irritable, headache, runny nose, sore throat or neck pain. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Serious side effects are allergic reactions such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, mood or behaviour changes, depression, anxiety, agitation, hostility, restless, hyperactive, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, hallucinations, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, weakness, lack of coordination, increased or worsening seizures, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, itching, dark urine, clay coloured stools or jaundice. If these occur get emergency medical help.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

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