Dilantin, Alcohol and the holidays

General General TN & GPN (Old Site)
1

Being the Holidays it's hard not to have a drink at family dinners, but I have not. My favorite has always been Kahlua and cream only during the Holiday season, otherwise it's very occasional through the year; a special dinner or a birthday, etc. My best friend made a batch of her homemade Kahlua. She said she is giving me a bottle, but I am worried that if I drink it I may have adverse affects. Can someone tell me if having a drink will affect my meds? I take both Dilantin and Gabapentin.

Thanks

2

Hi Ms. Minny,
I’m not a pharmacist nor a doctor but I can tell you from my experience that when I was on only 800mg Tegretol XR, I could have a drink or two but I would adjust what time I took my pills.
I haven’t had any alcohol since August, my meds and doses have increased. I too am on Dilantin…( and tegretol and soon Keppra too)

Ask your pharmacist and look online , many anti-convulsants when mixed with alcohol are less effective, and alcohol can exacerbate side effects and cause seizures, so important to know!
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist …
Merry Christmas!
(( hugs )) Mimi

"What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?
Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of phenytoin, and can also increase your risk of seizure."
http://www.rxlist.com/dilantin-drug/patient-avoid-while-taking.htm

3

Hi, I was on gabapentin and tegretrol. I would enjoy a glass or two when I was just on gabapentin. I did not drink when I was on a high dose of gabapentin and tegretol together. From what I understand it enhances the alcohol so start slow. Perhaps check with your doctor, they'll understand.

4


Thanks Mimi and Merrrra

I plan on only having one drink. Thanks for the tip also. I will also check with the pharmacist.

Merry Christmas to you both.
Mimi said:

Hi Ms. Minny,
I'm not a pharmacist nor a doctor but I can tell you from my experience that when I was on only 800mg Tegretol XR, I could have a drink or two but I would adjust what time I took my pills.
I haven't had any alcohol since August, my meds and doses have increased. I too am on Dilantin..( and tegretol and soon Keppra too)

Ask your pharmacist and look online , many anti-convulsants when mixed with alcohol are less effective, and alcohol can exacerbate side effects and cause seizures, so important to know!
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist ...
Merry Christmas!
(( hugs )) Mimi

"What should I avoid while taking phenytoin?
Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of phenytoin, and can also increase your risk of seizure."
http://www.rxlist.com/dilantin-drug/patient-avoid-while-taking.htm