Hesperian Health Guides
Seizures from alcohol and drug use
HealthWiki > Epilepsy and Seizures > Chapter 3: Types of seizures and how to identify them > Seizures from alcohol and drug use
Withdrawal seizures When a person stops drinking or using another addictive drug, they may go through a period of withdrawal. Physical signs of withdrawal include sweating, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and tremors. Withdrawal can also cause generalized tonic-clonic seizures, usually during the first 2 days after drinking stops.
Not all people in withdrawal from alcohol and other addictive drugs have seizures. Seizures can happen anytime during the first week of withdrawal, usually within 48 hours of last use of alcohol or drugs. People who have gone through withdrawal before are more likely to have withdrawal seizures.
Addictive drugs that can cause withdrawal seizures when their use is stopped include:
- alcohol.
- opiates, including oxycodone, heroin, and opium.
- stimulants, including cocaine and amphetamines.
- anti-anxiety, pain, sleep, and muscle-relaxing medicines, including diazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), and quaaludes.
To prevent withdrawal seizures, reduce the use of alcohol or other drugs gradually instead of stopping all at once. Drinking water to stay hydrated and eating nutritious foods can relieve some of the stress on the body caused by withdrawal. A health worker may be able to provide medicines that lessen the physical effects of withdrawal. See a health worker if withdrawal signs do not go away or get worse.
While withdrawal seizures are not epilepsy, a person with epilepsy who is also physically addicted to alcohol or other drugs is more likely to have withdrawal seizures when they stop using. A health worker can offer help on how to continue taking antiseizure medicine through the withdrawal process. The amount or type of antiseizure medicine being used may need to change.
People quit using alcohol and other drugs in different ways. Some quit at home. Others go to a treatment center. Some rely only on friends, family, and peers for support. Others seek support from counselors or treatment programs. Spending time with people who support your desire to stop using can help you talk about how you are feeling during withdrawal.