Many drugs create serious consequences in everyone. For people with epilepsy, substance abuse is an even greater concern. Studies show that crack (methamphetamine) causes seizures.
There are also dangers associated with the interaction between many drugs (including alcohol) and antiepileptic medications. Like alcohol, each person will have different reactions to various drugs.
Abusing drugs puts you in physical, mental and emotional danger. Education is the most powerful way to prevent substance abuse.
The following list of drugs explains their effects, both related and unrelated to seizures.
Alcohol
After being absorbed into the bloodstream, alcohol slows activity in the brain and spinal cord. The effects of drinking alcohol include impaired judgement, slowed reflexes, impaired vision, loss of appetite, sleepiness, etc. These effects vary for each person, and are influenced by how much alcohol is consumed within a specific period of time, the individual’s body size, the individual’s gender, the rate of metabolism, and whether there is any food ingested along with the alcohol.
Mixed with anti-epileptic drugs, alcohol can be dangerous. Exactly how much alcohol it takes to cause a problem depends on each individual. Also, excessive alcohol consumption may increase seizure activity. Excessive alcohol may also decrease sleep and nutrition, triggering seizures. Uncontrolled drinking may lead to withdrawal seizures 6 to 72 hours after the last drink.
This does not mean you should skip taking your medication during alcohol consumption. Instead, be aware of the consequences of alcohol. If you do drink, know your limits. It may be okay for many people to drink moderately once in a while. However, if you drink more than what your body can handle, you are heading for trouble.
Nicotine
- Effects include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, damage to blood vessels, lung and other cancers, indigestion, ulcers, etc.
- Nicotine does not cause seizures, but you should be aware of the risk of starting a fire if a cigarette is dropped during a seizure.
Caffeine
- This addictive stimulant can bring heightened blood pressure levels, restlessness, as well as headaches.
- If used over a long period of time and then suddenly stopped, it will lead to fatigue, depression, feelings of irritability, and headache.
Heroin
- This powder is white in its pure form. When bought from drug dealers it is diluted to a light brown.
- The effects of heroin include perspiration, delayed onset of sleep, feelings of anxiousness, etc.
- Over a long period of time, it causes mood swings and decreased sexual arousal.
- Taken in large amounts, it can cause oxygen deprivation leading to seizures.
- It is sometimes used to temporarily relieve discomfort.
Cannabis (Marijuana)
- Cannabidiol (CBD) has anticonvulsant effects and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been shown to both provoke and suppress seizures.
- Marijuana can cause the mouth to feel dry, increase heart rate, redden eyes, and impair judgement.
- Constant use leads to memory loss, difficulties in keeping stimulated, emotional imbalances, etc.
Ecstasy
- This drug comes in capsule or powder form, increases energy levels making an individual feel “high”.
- Short term effects include heart problems, dehydration, exhaustion, and feelings of dismay.
- Long term effects include paranoia, tension, mental disability, and seizures.
Amphetamines (Speed)
- Low dosages can couse high blood pressure, loss of appetite, and abnormal breathing patterns that can last for hours or days.
- High dosages cause tremors, dizziness, co-ordination deficiencies, etc.
- It creates feelings of euphoria.
Cocaine (Crack)
- White powder.
- Small doses will cause a decrease in appetite and there may be heightened restlessness.
- The user may become anxious, constantly exhausted, have tremors, experience paranoia, develop blurred vision, etc.
- Overdose can lead to heart problems, seizures, and death.
Hallucinogens
- Mood swings, dilated pupils, tremors, delayed onset of sleep, increased body temperature, etc. are among the effects.
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) causes coordination problems, quickened heartbeat, increased body temperature, and may cause seizures.