Mixing Keppra and Alcohol Side Effects, Abuse, & Withdrawal

During the first few days of taking Keppra, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you. Continue to read more about the possible risks of mixing Keppra and alcohol.


Keppra and Alcohol Use

Alcohol and Keppra should not be used together. When people take prescription or over-the-counter medications, they should be aware if interactions with other drugs or substances — like alcohol — are possible. Drinking while taking Keppra can increase your risk of side effects and seizure threat if you drink heavily.

What Happens if you Take Keppra and Don’t Need It?

Taking Keppra (the brand name for levetiracetam) and alcohol together is never advised because of how intense the side effects can be. The consequences can range from dizziness and headaches to suicidal thoughts and hallucinations.

Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects when taking Keppra since it can increase the sedative effects. It is important to talk to your doctor if you plan to consume any alcohol while taking Keppra. It is generally advised to avoid drinking alcohol when taking medications for seizure disorders.

Keep reading to learn more about how it can affect your health.

Keppra and Alcohol Interaction

The interaction between Keppra and alcohol is not widely understood. Generally, alcohol should be avoided while taking Keppra as it can cause increases in the levels of Keppra in the bloodstream, and can also increase the likelihood of side effects. The most common side effects associated with Keppra include dizziness and drowsiness, and the combination of alcohol and Keppra could further exacerbate those effects. Other potential side effects of combining Keppra and alcohol include stomach pain, blurred vision, or changes in mood or behavior. In some cases, seizures or other adverse reactions have occurred.

Keppra and Alcohol Death

While deaths related to the combination of Keppra and alcohol have been reported, this is rare. It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has consumed Keppra and alcohol and is experiencing any of the symptoms of a Keppra and alcohol overdose.

What is Keppra?

Keppra is an antiepileptic drug available as 250 mg (blue), 500 mg (yellow), 750 mg (orange), and 1000 mg (white) tablets and as transparent, colorless, grape-flavored liquid (100 mg/mL) for oral administration [1]. Levetiracetam is the generic name of Keppra and is used alone and with other medications to control partial-onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain) in adults [2]. In 2000, the FDA approved using the oral formulation as adjunctive therapy for focal seizures, myoclonic seizures, and primary generalized seizures [3]. Both Keppra and alcohol affect the nervous system, and they can heighten the side effects of each other. The severity of Keppra detox makes it a process that should be approached carefully.

Does Keppra Cause Depression?

Keppra depression may also cause aggression, anxiety, and irritability. Keppra may cause drowsiness or coordination difficulties and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

What Does Keppra Do?

Does Keppra work? The understanding of how Keppra works is not very well described. How does Keppra prevent seizures? It is believed to inhibit calcium release in neurons, and this action modulates the firing of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Since epilepsy is a disease where neurons in the brain fire uncontrollably, inducing seizures, Keppra slows down this uncontrollable firing in neurons and thus hinders seizures. Although Keppra is a prescription drug, this medication is not a controlled substance and is not monitored by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Can I drink alcohol while taking Keppra? And can too much Keppra cause seizures? Drinking while taking Keppra can have adverse side effects and increase your risk of seizure attacks. Keppra works as an anticonvulsant and has also been studied as a possible treatment for alcoholism, primarily for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Although, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [4], The efficacy data for levetiracetam (Keppra) in alcoholism treatment has been mixed. There is also preclinical evidence that levetiracetam reduces alcohol consumption by altering the endorphin release. Moreover, a different study shows Levetiracetam may also have efficacy in alcohol-dependent subjects with co-occurring psychiatric disorders (alcohol dependence and anxiety disorder.)

Top Keppra alcohol  FAQs

  1. What dose is required to overdose on Keppra Alcohol combination?

    The exact amount of alcohol and Keppra required to cause an overdose is unknown. However, it is important to note that combining alcohol and Keppra could increase the risk of serious side effects, even at relatively low doses. Therefore, it is important to always take caution and consult your healthcare provider about the appropriate amount of alcohol intake for your specific situation.

  2. What are Alcohol and Keppra Dangers? Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Keppra?

    It is important to be careful when taking both alcohol and Keppra as combining them can increase the risk of serious side effects. It is also important to consult your healthcare provider about the appropriate amount of alcohol intake for your specific situation.

  3. Can you drink alcohol while taking Keppra?

    Can you drink alcohol on Keppra? It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Keppra.

  4. What are Keppra with alcohol effects?

    The effects of combining alcohol and Keppra could vary from person to person and could be more serious for some. It is typically recommended that users of Keppra avoid alcohol entirely or just consume minimal amounts.

  5. What happens if you drink alcohol with Keppra?

    Drinking alcohol while taking Keppra could potentially increase the risk of certain side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, feeling unsteady, or difficulty concentrating. In addition, it could make some of the medications in Keppra less effective or cause the medications to become more concentrated in the body.

  6. Is Keppra for alcohol withdrawal?

    Keppra is not typically prescribed for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. It is a medication that is used to treat certain types of epilepsy.

Can you Drink Alcohol with Keppra?

Keppra is an anti-epileptic medication. It is important to only take it if prescribed by your doctor. Taking Keppra without a doctor’s advice could lead to serious side effects, so it is best to not take it without a doctor’s recommendation. If you are taking Keppra and no longer need it, it is important to consult with your doctor to find out the best way to safely stop taking it.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol while on Levetiracetam or other prescription medications for epilepsy. Taking too much Keppra and alcohol can lead to more severe side effects. It can put someone at risk for an overdose.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol while on Levetiracetam or other prescription medications for epilepsy. What happens if you take Keppra and don’t need it? Taking too much Keppra and alcohol can lead to more severe side effects. It can put someone at risk for an overdose.

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Epilepsy and Alcohol Keppra Statistics

Alcohol consumption may trigger seizures in patients with epilepsy. Unfortunately, more than 20 million people in the United States have had a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders can involve illicit drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol. Many are also mixing medications with alcohol. Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available, but very few people get the treatment they need. Strategies to prevent substance use and help people get treatment can reduce drug and alcohol misuse, related health problems, and deaths.


1.2%

It’s estimated that about 1.2% of U.S. people have active epilepsy. 

Source: CDC

11,616

Over 5,000 people aged 65 and above in the U.S. died of a drug overdose in 2020, and more than twice that many (11,616) died of alcohol-induced causes. 

Source: CDC

6%

6% of Americans over 12 abuse prescriptions each year.

Source: CDC


Alcohol and Keppra Interaction

Facts


Alcohol can be a trigger for seizures. When Keppra and alcohol are mixed, the medication can be less effective at treating seizure disorders. 
Alcohol can be a trigger for seizures. When Keppra and alcohol are mixed, the medication can be less effective at treating seizure disorders. 

Taking Keppra and drinking alcohol simultaneously is hazardous. Aside from worsening the medicine’s adverse effects, alcohol disrupts your sleep. For many people, tiredness can trigger seizures, so poor sleep makes seizure attacks more likely.

 

 Levetiracetam, sold under the Keppra brand name, is a medication used to treat epilepsy. It is used for partial-onset, myoclonic, or tonic–clonic seizures and is taken either by mouth as an immediate or extended-release formulation or by injection into a vein.

KEPPRA tablets contain the labeled amount of levetiracetam.

Inactive ingredients include the following: colloidal silicon dioxide, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol 3350, polyethylene glycol 6000, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and additional agents listed below:

250 mg tablets: FD&C Blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake

500 mg tablets: iron oxide yellow

750 mg tablets: FD&C yellow #6/sunset yellow FCF aluminum lake, iron oxide red

  1. Can you drink alcohol while taking Keppra?

    Yes, you can drink alcohol with levetiracetam, but it may make you sleepy or tired, and alcohol and hangovers can bring on seizures in some people with epilepsy. During the first few days of taking levetiracetam, it’s best to stop drinking alcohol until you see how the medicine affects you.

  2. What happens if you drink alcohol with Keppra?

    Both alcohol and Keppra affect the nervous system, and they can heighten the side effects of each other. For example, if you combine alcohol and Keppra, you could impair your judgment and thinking and experience extreme dizziness, drowsiness, and problems with concentration.

  3. Is Keppra and alcohol death possible?

    Drinking alcohol in excess while taking Keppra can be dangerous. While mixing Keppra and alcohol is not ideal, drinking in moderation is generally considered safe. Moderate consumption should not cause harm.

  4. Can Keppra cause hallucinations?

    Keppra headaches are one of its many side effects. It’s important not to have a Keppra overdose.

  5. Is Keppra bad for your kidneys?

    Although rare, Keppra can cause acute kidney injury.

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Side Effects and Symptoms of Keppra Use

What are the side effects of Keppra? Can Keppra cause diarrhea? Just like all other drugs, Keppra does have some known side effects. Some of these side effects of Keppra include the following:

  • Sleepiness
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite
  • Reduced energy
  • Motor coordination issues
  • Dizziness
  • Mood swings

Some emotional or psychological Keppra symptoms may occur with the use of Keppra. While these Keppra toxicity signs and symptoms are more infrequent than those mentioned above, they should still be noted. These symptoms include the following:

  • Aggressiveness
  • Hostility
  • Extreme changes in an emotional state
  • Depression
  • Agitation
  • Apathy
  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Suicidal thoughts

How Long Does Keppra Stay in your System?

How long does levetiracetam take to work? Or how long does it take Keppra to work? This medication usually takes 1-2 hours before it takes effect. It may take about 44 hours for Keppra to be out of your system. The elimination half-life of a drug is the time it takes for blood levels of the drug to be reduced by half. It takes approximately 5.5 x elimination half-life for a drug to be out of your system. What is the half life of Keppra? Keppra half life of adults is seven ± one hour and is unaffected by either dose or repeated administration. Therefore it can take about 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hours) for Keppra to be eliminated.

Metabolism, age, health, weight, and the amount and frequency of the drug taken, are all factors that can affect the rate at which the body can clear the drug from your system. Keppra (levetiracetam) belongs to the class of medications called antiepileptics. It is used in combination with other seizure-control medications to treat and prevent seizures associated with epilepsy.

Keppra Overdose

Can you take too much Keppra? And can you overdose on levetiracetam? According to the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) [5], there is no specific antidote for overdose with Keppra. Can you die from Keppra overdose? In overdose, Keppra is sedating and causes respiratory depression. However, recovery is rapid with supportive care [6]. Taking too much Keppra can lead to more severe side effects. It can put someone at risk for an overdose. can Keppra get you high? It is possible that exceeding 3000 mg per day could lead to an overdose. It is a Keppra dose too high. Ask your doctor about the option of reducing your Keppra dosage.

Keppra is a novel antiepileptic medication approved as an adjunctive agent for treating partial-onset seizures. If you or a loved one develops Keppra and alcohol use problems, help is available. Contact We Level Up for treatment and information resources.
Keppra is a novel antiepileptic medication approved as an adjunctive agent for treating partial-onset seizures. If you or a loved one develops Keppra and alcohol use problems, help is available. Contact We Level Up for treatment and information resources.

Keppra Overdose Symptoms

It is possible to overdose on Keppra. Symptoms of Keppra overdose can include the following:

  • Keppra drowsiness
  • Aggression
  • Fainting
  • Shallow breathing
  • Weakness
  • Agitation

How much Keppra does it take to overdose? In overdose, levetiracetam is sedating and causes respiratory depression. However, recovery is rapid with supportive care. This is the first reported case of Keppra overdose; serial serum concentrations suggest first-order elimination even at concentrations 10-40 fold higher than therapeutic.

What are the Keppra toxicity symptoms? Keppra toxicity symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, agitation, aggression, shallow breathing, weakness, or fainting. Does Keppra show up on a drug test? No, it will not because it belongs to a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants, which are not tested in the standard drug testing panels.

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Abuse of Keppra

Although anticonvulsant drugs are not the most commonly abused, they can still be abused. Most individuals take Keppra to treat and manage seizures. However, some individuals on this medication may develop a substance abuse disorder. Some individuals have combined Keppra or other anticonvulsant medications with different medications to increase sedation. Some people have taken Keppra while drinking alcohol. This enhances some side effects of both the alcohol and Keppra.

Is Levetiracetam a controlled substance? There is no one specific treatment for the abuse of Levetiracetam and alcohol since this medication isn’t on the controlled substances list. Most major organizations, such as the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), or the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), aren’t even concerned about this drug’s abuse. If a person wants or needs to stop using Keppra, they should have it approved by their doctor first. It should be the doctor who gave them the prescription. Discontinuing the medication without proper medical approval could result in seizures reoccurring.

Individuals who do not have seizure disorders and use Keppra with other drugs should be evaluated for abuse and addiction issues. They should receive treatment in a comprehensive substance use disorder treatment program that addresses all of their problems.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Keppra Abuse

Do Keppra side effects in adults go away? These side effects are more common during the first four weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. Does Keppra cause drowsiness? Be careful when you start taking Keppra because it causes drowsiness at first. 

In the short term, people could experience the following:

  • Increasing suicidal ideation or thoughts of self-harm
  • Changes in behavior, such as giving things away or an abnormally cheery mood (mania)

Research shows that this medication may decrease in effectiveness. It is usual for doctors to revise your dose as you continue your treatment.

The reported lethargy you might feel after Keppra is normal as you become more tolerant of it. In most people, building a tolerance to Keppra does not lead to misuse, but it can. These side effects may happen as you adjust to your dose. Keppra long term side effects may include the following:

  • Reduced motor control
  • Double vision
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drowsiness

How long does Keppra take to work? Typically, this medication begins to work within a few hours. It may take several days to reach its full effect for seizure prevention. Can you take muscle relaxers with Keppra? Muscle relaxers can sometimes interfere with and reduce Keppra’s effectiveness; it is best not to take both simultaneously.

What are the Side Effects of Stopping Keppra?

How does Keppra stop seizures? Doctors prescribe Keppra for people who have certain types of seizures. Can withdrawal cause seizures? Keppra for alcohol withdrawal may cause an increase in seizure frequency. Coming off Keppra side effects should be done slowly and carefully. People should not attempt to taper themselves off of Keppra on their own. This is especially important if the person has a history of seizures. No medications are used during Keppra withdrawal except Keppra itself on a tapering schedule.

Stopping Keppra Cold Turkey

Can you stop Keppra cold turkey? Withdrawal of Keppra high may cause an increase in seizure frequency. Keppra should be tapered off slowly on discontinuation. Does levetiracetam make you sleepy? The most common side effects of Keppra (Levetiracetam) are sleepiness, infection, dizziness, and weakness. These side effects commonly diminish over time but should be reported to a doctor if they persist or become bothersome.

Keppra is a medication used to treat several epileptic conditions; dosage and frequency will vary by individual case. Keppra can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Caregivers should be aware of any mood or behavioral changes, worsening depression, and suicidal thoughts; if any of these are noticed, a healthcare provider should be notified immediately. 

Keppra and alcohol detox, especially for those with a heavy or long-lasting Keppra dependency, produces a range of symptoms, and in extreme cases, withdrawal can be fatal. 
Keppra and alcohol detox, especially for those with a heavy or long-lasting Keppra dependency, produces a range of symptoms, and in extreme cases, withdrawal can be fatal. 
  1. How long for Keppra to work?

    It usually takes 1-2 hours for Keppra to take effect.

  2. Does Keppra get you high?

    Individuals who use Keppra and suffer untoward side effects often report feeling “high or drunk.” However, using Keppra is not associated with the psychoactive effects sought by most drug abusers.

Keppra Detox Withdrawal  

If Keppra has to be discontinued, it is advised to withdraw it slowly. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to a levetiracetam withdrawal seizure. There are complications of immediate withdrawal, including the potential for seizure attacks and implications for driving. The only hard-and-fast rule is that you shouldn’t do it alone.

There is no official withdrawal timeline for Keppra. Can you just stop taking Keppra? Physicians caution that individuals should not stop taking Keppra without their approval. weaning off Keppra symptoms to reduce the threat of seizures is essential. Keppra withdrawal timeline often takes seven to fourteen days, sometimes longer.

The period in which an individual should be weaned from this drug depends on their dose and how long they have taken the medication. There are no specific procedures for how a person should be weaned off and how long this should take. The supervising doctor will develop the tapering timetable for the particular case.

The general guidance for anticonvulsant medication tapering is one to three months. The physician decides how much to lower the dose and at what frequency. Individuals should not try to taper themselves off of Keppra on their own. This is particularly important if the individual has a history of seizures.

Keppra Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

What are the side effects of weaning off Keppra? Withdrawal of Keppra may cause an increase in seizure frequency. Keppra should be tapered off slowly on discontinuation. What are Keppra withdrawal hallucinations? Hallucinations are found among people who take Keppra, especially for people who are female, 60+ old, and have been taking the drug for < 1 month.

One of the most significant problems with Keppra withdrawal is encountering a seizure. Because of the risk of a seizure attack, an individual experiencing Keppra detox withdrawal should be continuously watched by people who know how to help if an attack happens. Here are a few of the Keppra withdrawal symptoms of which to be aware:

  • Weakness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Irritability
  • Infection
  • Nasal congestion
  • Decreased appetite
  • Becoming aggressive

Keppra Withdrawal Anxiety 

Does Keppra help with anxiety? Or does Keppra cause anxiety? Withdrawal and Keppra for anxiety can lead to severe mental health-related issues. Levetiracetam interactions have been reported to cause varying degrees of psychiatric adverse effects, including Keppra anxiety behavioral disturbances such as agitation, hostility and psychosis, mood symptoms, and suicidality.

Keppra Diarrhea

GI complaints, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, and dysphagia, were widespread in post-traumatic epileptic patients treated with AEDs for a long-time. 

Keppra Liver Damage

Can Keppra cause liver damage? Liver injury due to drugs is an essential precursor to liver disease. Drug-induced liver injury is between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 100,000 patients taking medications as prescribed.

Hepatotoxicity can result from a drug or its active metabolite or both. This unfortunate syndrome is characterized by cellular changes in the liver that can lead to necrosis, apoptosis, or an immune response. Keppra does not inhibit or induce hepatic enzymes; most of it is eliminated unchanged by the kidneys. Thus, the risk of hepatotoxicity is low because it is minimally protein bound and lacks metabolism by the liver.

Keppra Mood Swings

As with other antiepileptic medications, Keppra may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Monitor for worsening depression or mood changes. Keppra may also cause behavioral problems such as anxiety, aggression, irritability, and nervousness; advise people taking Keppra to monitor their mood.

Can Medications Be Used During Keppra Detox Withdrawal?

No known drugs are used during Keppra detox withdrawal except Keppra itself on a tapering schedule. The procedures associated with this are developed for individuals who take the medication as prescribed for seizures. 

However, many of the studies in this literature review looked at a gradual taper protocol. The protocol ranges from one month to over four years in these trials. However, there was no mention of medications except the anticonvulsant medication the person was taking.

Treatment for Keppra Abuse

What is the protocol for weaning off Keppra? When it comes time to discontinue Keppra, your doctor will advise you on a slowly tapering dosing schedule. Do not just stop it suddenly unless your doctor has instructed you that a rapid withdrawal is justified.

Keppra Detox Process 

The process of Keppra detox varies for everyone. It will depend on how long the individual was using Keppra, their dosage levels, how often they took it if it’s being taken along with other substances, like alcohol, and if there are any underlying issues like mental health conditions (depression and anxiety). The addiction treatment specialist will assess the individual’s Keppra use and give more information on what they might expect during this process

It is best to go to a treatment facility or a detox center, especially if someone has abused this medication at high doses for an extended time. This guarantees that if a seizure does happen during the process, the person can receive immediate attention because of the available round-the-clock medical staff.

Medically-Assisted Keppra Detox

Detox is the first step to quitting anticonvulsant drugs like Keppra. Drug and alcohol detox flushes a person’s system of their consumed drugs. Someone dependent on drugs typically has a very high tolerance for those substances. If you or someone you know depends on Keppra, it is vital to ensure they detox safely and comfortably. Safe and comfortable Keppra detox includes assistance from a medical professional, either as part of a prescription plan or in a supervised Keppra detox setting. A physician can slowly taper off and lower the dosage to eliminate or ease the person’s Keppra detox withdrawal symptoms.

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Mixing Keppra and Alcohol

Can you drink alcohol while taking levetiracetam? Usually, it’s advised that you don’t take Keppra alcohol at the same time. Both Keppra and alcohol affect the nervous system, and they can worsen the side effects of each other.

Can you drink while on Keppra? if you mix Keppra with alcohol, you could impair your thinking and judgment and experience intense drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. People often ask, “can I drink on Keppra?” Individuals are urged to restrict their drinking while taking Keppra, particularly if they don’t know its effect on them.

People who do not have seizure disorders and use Keppra and alcohol should be evaluated for abuse and addiction issues.
People who do not have seizure disorders and use Keppra and alcohol should be evaluated for abuse and addiction issues.

Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol & Keppra

There are a few side effects connected with Keppra, one of the most severe is suicidal thoughts. Physicians warn patients to watch their mood when prescribed this drug, monitor for any changes, and report them as they experience them. Does Keppra make you tired? In some cases, it can because it also causes sleepiness. This medication can also impair your reaction or confuse your thinking, so you should be aware of this if you take it and need to do something requiring you to be alert, like driving.

If you become pregnant while taking Keppra, it’s vital to continue using this medicine unless your physician says otherwise. This is because having a pregnant seizure can be extremely dangerous for your baby.

Outside of possible side effects of mixing Keppra and alcohol, potential side effects of using Keppra can include:

  • Bruising
  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Tingling and numbness
  • Muscle weakness
  • Changes in mood or behavior
  • Hallucinations
  • Coordination problems
  • Confusion
  • Problems with walking or movement
  • Skin reactions
  • Signs of infection

Can you drink with Keppra? There are certain risk factors when mixing alcohol with any prescription medication. Prescription drugs for seizure disorders, like Keppra, may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Because alcohol has identical effects, you risk having many more side effects.

Can you drink on Keppra? Drinking alcohol in excess while taking Keppra can be dangerous. While mixing Keppra and alcohol is not ideal, drinking in moderation is generally considered safe. Heavy drinking can cause seizures in anyone, even in individuals who do not have epilepsy. Thus, drinking too much can be especially treacherous for someone taking Keppra to control seizures.
Can you drink alcohol while on Keppra? It is dangerous, and abusing alcohol may also result in increased depression, mood swings, and suicidal thoughts. It may also affect motor coordination.

Alcohol and Keppra Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

Can you stop taking Keppra? Discontinuing Keppra can cause severe withdrawal symptoms once stopped suddenly. Alcohol and Keppra detox withdrawal refer to symptoms that may happen when someone who has been drinking too much alcohol and taking Keppra more than the recommended dosage suddenly stops drinking alcohol and taking the anticonvulsant medication. 

Alcohol and Keppra detox withdrawal symptoms may vary significantly from one person to another but may include any of the following psychological and physical alcohol and Keppra detox withdrawal symptoms:

Alcohol and Keppra Detox Withdrawal Symptoms – Physical

  • Fever
  • Shakiness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Appetite loss
  • Pale skin
  • Tremor
  • Seizures
  • Shaky hands
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Racing heart
  • High blood pressure

Alcohol and Keppra Detox Withdrawal Symptoms – Psychological

  • Fatigue
  • Mood swings
  • Inability to think clearly
  • Nightmares
  • Extreme agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Feeling depressed

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Find the Right Alcohol and Keppra Detox Treatment at We Level Up NJ

Since Keppra is not a typical drug of abuse, most treatment facilities may not have experience treating Keppra detox withdrawal. Keppra may commonly be abused with other substances like alcohol, so you may need to search for a center that can handle polydrug abuse.

If you have more medical conditions, ensure the detox center can simultaneously deliver proper care for these needs. This is particularly crucial for any co-occurring mental health conditions that require dual diagnosis treatment. 

Choose a treatment facility that highlights dual diagnosis treatment. It is crucial to not only treat the Keppra abuse issue but also address any possible underlying circumstances that might have led to it happening in the first place.

Keppra is different from other drugs of abuse in that its risk of suicidal thoughts or actions of self-harm may have something to do with overdose rates and even fatalities. Hence, it is more hazardous when you mix Keppra and alcohol. Get help today with We Level Up NJ addiction treatment center.
Keppra is different from other drugs of abuse in that its risk of suicidal thoughts or actions of self-harm may have something to do with overdose rates and even fatalities. Hence, it is more hazardous when you mix Keppra and alcohol. Get help today with We Level Up NJ addiction treatment center.

Someone who has become dependent on or addicted to an antiepileptic like Keppra should seek professional assistance. Prescription drug treatment programs are designed to medically support drug-dependent individuals who detox and experience Keppra detox withdrawal symptoms.

During your rehabilitation, the We Level Up NJ treatment facility staff will help you identify what caused your dependency and abuse and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. 

The We Level Up NJ addiction treatment center provides proper care with round-the-clock medical staff to assist your recovery through our medically-assisted Keppra and alcohol detox program. So, reclaim your life. Call us to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our counselors know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Top 12 Most Keppra and Alcohol Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What are the side effects after you stop taking Keppra?

    Withdrawal of Keppra may cause an increase in seizure frequency. Keppra should be tapered off slowly on discontinuation.

  2. What happens if you take Keppra and don’t need it?

    Keppra should only be discontinued by the doctor who prescribed the drug, and an individual who wishes to stop using Keppra should consult with their physician.

  3. Do Keppra side effects go away?

    Drowsiness, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or weakness may occur. These side effects are more common during the first four weeks and usually lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if these effects last or worsen.

  4. Does Keppra make you sleepy?

    Some people have reported problems with sleep on Keppra, either being too tired or having trouble sleeping.

  5. Why Keppra is bad for you?

    Levetiracetam (Keppra) can cause severe allergic reactions, including symptoms such as low blood pressure, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face or mouth. 

  6. How long does Keppra rage last?

    Keppra has a plasma half-life in adults of 7 ± 1 hour and is unaffected by either dose or repeated administration. Therefore it can take about 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hours) for Keppra to be eliminated.

  7. What are the long term side effects of Keppra?

    In some individuals, using Keppra leaves them feeling “spaced out.” These feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, decreased concentration, etc., may be similar to the feeling that occurs when people become intoxicated, but it is not pleasant. 

  8. What happens if you take Keppra and don’t have epilepsy?

    What happens if you take Keppra and don’t need it? Keppra contains the active ingredient levetiracetam, a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. The brain and nerves are composed of many nerve cells communicating through electrical signals. Keppra, increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. 

  9. Is Keppra a narcotic?

    Although a prescription is required to purchase Keppra, the drug is not a controlled substance and is not monitored by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

  10. Is Keppra addictive?

    Anticonvulsant drugs are not drugs of abuse. While some individuals who take Keppra for medicinal purposes (e.g., seizure control) have developed substance use disorders for other reasons, these individuals do not become addicted to Keppra.

  11. How long does Keppra stay in your system?

    Keppra has a plasma half-life in adults of 7 ± 1 hour and is unaffected by either dose or repeated administration. Therefore it can take about 44 hours (5.5 x 8 hours) for Keppra to be out of one’s system.

  12. Does Keppra cause insomnia? And can Keppra cause insomnia?

    One of the psychological side effects that Keppra can cause is insomnia.

Keppra and Alcohol Video

Taking Keppra (levetiracetam) and alcohol together poses serious risks, and it’s crucial to be informed about potential interactions and consequences. This article sheds light on the dangers associated with combining these substances.

Keppra overdose is possible, leading to symptoms like drowsiness, aggression, fainting, shallow breathing, and weakness. Recovery is rapid with supportive care, but exceeding 3000 mg per day poses serious risks.

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Sources

[1] KEPPRA- levetiracetam tablet information – NIH/National Institutes of Health

[2] LevetiracetamU.S. Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health

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[4] Hammond CJ, Niciu MJ, Drew S, Arias AJ. Anticonvulsants for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and alcohol use disorders. CNS Drugs. 2015 Apr;29(4):293-311. DOI: 10.1007/s40263-015-0240-4. PMID: 25895020; PMCID: PMC5759952.

[5] KEPPRATM (levetiracetam) – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

[6] Barrueto F Jr, Williams K, Howland MA, Hoffman RS, Nelson LS. A case of levetiracetam (Keppra) poisoning with clinical and toxicokinetic data. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2002;40(7):881-4. DOI: 10.1081/CLT-120016959. PMID: 12507057.

[7] We Level UpWhat Is Substance Use Disorder

[8] Subbarao BS, Silverman A, Eapen BC. Seizure Medications. [Updated 2022 Jul 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482269/

[9] Springer C, Nappe TM. Anticonvulsants Toxicity. [Updated 2022 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537206/

[10] Abou-Khalil B. Levetiracetam in the treatment of epilepsy. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008 Jun;4(3):507-23. DOI: 10.2147/NDT.s2937. PMID: 18830435; PMCID: PMC2526377.