I rarely drink, but when I do I seem fine and then BAM!!! And I will wake rarely remembering the last half hour of the previous evening... I want to be able to enjoy an occasional adult beverage, but is it even possible with this medication?
Migraine - Why should one avoid alcohol while taking Topamax?
Question posted by DJanaeP on 23 March 2011
Last updated on 27 April 2018
5 Answers
Ja544992
3 Feb 2018
One of topiramate alternative functions is treatment for alcoholism. While it's still being studied there are multiple sources you can review as to the effects of alcohol and topiramate in the brain.
Coach43
6 May 2017
What bout non alcoholic beer?
anrene
14 Sep 2012
I am going on vacation in a week with a group of friends in about a week, at least one day, we all plan on having several drinks. Would it hurt anything if I quit taking Topamax (I'm on 100 mg) the 3 days of vacation and then start taking it again when back home?
morten20
26 Aug 2015
Take it in the morning instead of at night.
HowardShiva
19 Feb 2017
Reducing the amount of Topomax you take or taking it only in the AM will not help with the sever somolence. I've taken this med for over 2 years now and I have experienced "blackouts" on several occasions. I was never told not to drink alcohol with this med. Trial and error. I noticed that I was able to have 2 glasses of wine or hard liquor without problems. Any more than that and you will "blackout", I also do not think your weight has any baring on this. The mix just doesn't work. I have weaned myself off the drug, as I still have occasional migraines.
Jack9999
27 April 2018
"Would it hurt anything if I quit taking Topamax (I'm on 100 mg) the 3 days of vacation and then start taking it again when back home?"
No one ever answered this part. anrene said "stop taking", not lower the dosage.
Will this work to avoid the drugs interacting, and is it safe to stop the drug from full dosage?
billnterrac
24 March 2011
I agree completely with the above poster. I wanted to add that sometimes when you are taking a product that shouldn't be mixed with anything else because a sleepiness side effect, you could have amnesiac episodes as well. It is almost like (in my completely layman's terms) your "brain" has fallen asleep but your body hasn't, so you can continue doing tasks. I had this happen a lot, and it was extremely confusing to me how I had conversations with people and not remember one thing about them. That was without even adding alcohol to the mix!
I hope you choose to stay safe and not mix alcohol with Topamax. For more information about Topamax and what effects have been reported post market, look for the Professional documentation on Drugs.com for it. It could be quite helpful for you.
Take care - TC
LaurieShay
24 March 2011
Hey DJ,
Let me share with you the interaction warning with topamax and alcoholic beverages:
ethanol ↔ topiramate
Applies to: Alcohol (contained in alcoholic beverages) (ethanol), Topamax (topiramate)
GENERALLY AVOID: Topiramate, when coadministered with other CNS depressants including alcoholic beverages, may lead to excessive somnolence and other forms of nervous system depression.
MANAGEMENT: The patient should be informed to avoid alcohol or to use caution if these agents are coadministered, especially if performing hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery.
If these two substances cause you to "black out", then I would say stay away from the alcohol. While you might be okay to have one, too much alcohol can cause your breathing and heart rate to decrease below safe levels aside from the not remembering what you did the day after.
Best to learn to drink non alcoholic beverages and enjoy yourself than take the chance of hurting yourself.
See also: https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/topiramate,topamax.html
Take care,
Laurie
DJanaeP
24 March 2011
Thanks for responding Laurie!!! Can you tell me what Somnolence is? So I felt that I thought I literally fainted (passed out) last night... but it may have actually happened due to low heart rate and breathing? hmmm... obviously better be taking better care!
LaurieShay
24 March 2011
Hey DJ,
Somnolence means drowsiness or sleepiness. Excessive somnolence is possible when taking these two substances. It does sound like that is what you experienced. Do take care and stay away from the booze.
Laurie
stratusphr
14 Sep 2012
I took Topamax for 2.5 years and nobody ever told me to avoid alcohol. I seldom drink, but will have an occasional choc martini or crown and coke. I've never had an adverse reaction. Is Topamax the only medication you're taking? Could the reaction be from another drug or the combo of Topamax and something else along with a drink? Just curious since I never did have any problem other than cognitive.
Related topics
topamax, migraine, interaction, alcohol
Further information
- Topamax uses and safety info
- Topamax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Topamax (detailed)
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