Is Mixing Lamotrigine and Alcohol Dangerous?

Are you taking lamotrigine and wondering if you can drink alcohol? Learn how alcohol interacts with lamotrigine and why it's important to make informed health choices.

Originally developed to prevent seizures, lamotrigine (an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer) has become widely used in the field of mental health. In addition to being used in the treatment of epilepsy, lamotrigine helps reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes in mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder. While safe and effective when used as prescribed, there are important considerations regarding its interaction with alcohol. Understanding the effects of mixing alcohol and lamotrigine is important to reduce the chance of negative side effects on the brain and body.

How does lamotrigine work?

Lamotrigine works by inhibiting the release of glutamate, which, when uncontrolled, can increase the neuronal activity in the brain that can cause seizures. This stabilizing effect also helps people with bipolar disorder by reducing mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes. Due to its mechanism of action, lamotrigine can be potentially sedating, which is where concerns about drinking alcohol while taking it arise. 

The effects of alcohol on the brain

Alcohol is a depressant, slowing down the neural activity that drives brain function. This leads to feelings of somnolence, drowsiness, and impaired cognitive function. These effects can result in slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause significant sedation, confusion, and even respiratory depression, or “blackouts.”

Interactions between lamotrigine and alcohol

When combining lamotrigine and alcohol, the effects of both substances on the brain can be amplified. Here are three key considerations to keep in mind: 

1. Sedation

Alcohol consumption can enhance the sedative effects of lamotrigine, leading to increased dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of coordination, becoming particularly dangerous for those taking lamotrigine to manage a mood disorder or epilepsy. Impaired cognitive function and increased sedation can lead to accidents, falls, or other serious injuries. Furthermore, alcohol increases the risk of seizures and may counteract Lamotrigine’s protective effects. 

2. Mood stability

Another concern with drinking alcohol while taking lamotrigine is alcohol’s significantly negative impact on mood. For those with bipolar disorder, mood stabilization is a major factor for maintaining overall mental health and is often the goal of lamotrigine therapy. Alcohol intake can trigger mood episodes, counteracting the effects of lamotrigine on a person’s brain. Due to these adverse effects, alcohol can precipitate a relapse of symptoms including but not limited to increased agitation, hypomania/mania, anxiety, and depression. 

3. Sleep

Alcohol’s disruptive impact on sleep is another important factor to consider, as quality sleep plays an essential role in the symptom management of overall mental health wellness and epilepsy. Poor sleep can be a trigger for seizures, due to a decreased seizure threshold, while also exacerbating mood symptoms.

Healthcare recommendations for mixing lamotrigine and alcohol

Given these potential risks, it is essential to take caution when it comes to alcohol use while taking lamotrigine. Specific recommendations can vary due to a number of factors, such as lamotrigine dosing, the presence of any other medical conditions, and a person’s overall health. For some, the advice may be to avoid drinking alcohol altogether, especially if they have a history of alcohol abuse or substance abuse, unstable mood, or a seizure disorder. For others, moderate alcohol consumption may be deemed acceptable, but only with careful monitoring and within specific limits.

While a person may be advised to stop drinking alcohol completely, there are alcohol withdrawal symptoms to look out for, such as tremors, confusion, and disorientation if the individual had previously been consuming alcohol heavily and regularly. Similarly, abruptly discontinuing lamotrigine is not recommended and should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Tapering off both substances under medical management or supervision is the best way to ensure a safe outcome with the least side effects. 

The importance of consulting a healthcare provider

Due to the possibility of an alcohol and medication interaction, it is important for people taking lamotrigine to consult with their healthcare provider before consuming alcohol. Your provider can give personalized advice based on medical history, current medications, and overall health status. Furthermore, they can help identify any warning signs that may indicate a negative interaction between lamotrigine and alcohol. Your provider can also help people through safely discontinuing alcohol use and manage any withdrawal symptoms that may arise.

Personal considerations when combining lamotrigine and alcohol

In addition to these general recommendations, there are several personal considerations to take into account when it comes to drinking alcohol on lamotrigine. Everyone’s body reacts differently to medications and substances. Factors such as age, weight, metabolism, and overall health can all influence how someone might respond to the combination of lamotrigine and alcohol. For instance, someone with a slower metabolism or compromised liver function may be more susceptible to the sedative effects of both substances as well as at a higher risk for liver damage. People who are more sensitive to the mood-altering effects of alcohol may find that even consuming it in small amounts can disrupt their mood stability while on lamotrigine.

Moreover, it is important to recognize that lamotrigine can interact with other medications as well, and the addition of alcohol to the mix may increase the risk of adverse effects. Those taking other medications that also depress the central nervous system, such as benzodiazepines, opioids, or certain antidepressants, are susceptible to the possibility of additional sedation, respiratory depression, or even overdose.

Navigating social situations with alcohol

Alcohol is often present in social situations, which can cause pressure to drink. For people taking lamotrigine, this pressure can create a dilemma between wanting to participate socially and prioritizing their health and medication regimen. For people with mood disorders or epilepsy, it is important to consider the social and psychological impact of alcohol use, as well as the effects of combining it with lamotrigine. Being aware of these dynamics and having strategies in place, such as choosing non-alcoholic alternatives or setting clear boundaries, can help people navigate these situations more effectively.

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one are struggling with a mental health condition, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.