Epilepsy

Alcohol and lamictal

09/16/2006 12:24AM

Question:

Previously I asked a question about my son taking Lamictal for seizure control. He has picked up drinking alcohol on weekends, he is 24 yrs. I received a response but it wasn`t specific on what can happen if he continues to drink Up to 48 oz. of beer while he is on this medication. He does have some type of seizures where he gets dizzy, and afterward is as tired as if he had a gran mal seizure, he will sleep for a few hours afterward but is lethargic, fatigued, and generally tired. His speech is usually slurry. His speech was affected by the head trauma (Closed head injury) back in 1999. I have noticed that he is getting more forgetful than usual, he had a slight problem with this and it seems to be getting worse. He doesn`t seem to think there is problem with drinking on the weekends while he is on his medication. I need to know more specifically what kind of problem this might cause that he can read for himself. thank you

Answer:

Based on the information provided in your initial question and in this current question, it may be best to recommend that your son avoid ALL alcohol. You indicated in your first question that your son continues to drink despite recommendations that he does not and he may try to sneak alcohol. These suggest may may have a problem with alcohol. He may need professional intervention.

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Response by:

David M. Ficker, MD
Associate Professor
Department of Neurology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati