Bipolar Support Group

Thanks for the info. I believe I have read just about the same things before. I just wanted to make sure it didn't inhibit the progression of the Lamictal starting to work, or make the meds less effective. I don't really feel that it increases the effects of the alcohol with me, nor do I feel it makes me more depressed. So, I guess I will just continue what I'm doing with caution. As I said, I only drink maybe once a week and its a few drinks socially. Thanks!

I know for sure it causes liver damage, and for me it really intensified the alcohol. After 1 drink I was buzzed, and then 2 drinks I was drunk. Then the hangover lasts for a long time. So I learned pretty quickly and now I rarely ever drink and it's never more than 1 drink.

Post edited by: ComingUndone, at: 12/02/2008 11:57

I don't want to encourage any bad behavior, but I take Lamictal... I have a couple of drinks every now & then, and I haven't noticed any negative effects at all. Also, when I asked my pdoc what he thought, he said a couple of glasses of wine or a few beers is fine, but try not to go off like a college student, pounding down shots or anything...

My pdoc is very conservative and says 'one glass of champagne on a special occasion'. I might have 2 glasses if we go out, but any more than that and like someone else said, the meds cause a bad hangover.

According to my doctor, it nullifies the effect. So if you drink and take your meds essentially you're just wasting your meds. Of course we're talking significant. Probably one shot wouldn't do much, she said as long as it isn't like 3/4 shots you'd be okay. An average shot is about 35% alcohol and you're probably drinking less than that so I think you're fine.

Hi Blu,

I went out last Saturday and drank a lot - like a college student downing loads of shots! My doc hadn't said anything about alcohol and Lamictal so I stupidly went for it. Anyway, as the night went on, I got really paranoid and anxious - basically went from happy to "oh my god, I want to hide under a rock and die" in about three hours. The next day I cried, for the whole day.

I think a drink or two is probably okay but definitely don't binge drink like me. I've certainly learnt my lesson, lol!

Moonfairy x

I try not to drink. I just feel kind of alarmed when I think about those pills sloshing around in all that vodka.

Okay, I need to update this post. I am not drinking any more while on Lamictal. When I wrote the original post, I had just started and was on 25 mg. Once I upped it to 50 mg, I had a couple of glasses of wine and was immediately drunk. I started feeling like I couldn't control my thoughts or words. Felt like my motor skills were off, actually tripped a few times. that is so unlike me. I usually can hold my liquor extremely well. I was with my husband's family at the time (we always hang out and have a few beers, etc., I am very close to them). Anyway, my mother-in-law asked me the next day if that was the first time I drank on that medication. She noticed a big difference in me and was concerned. So, needless to say, I won't be drinking any more. I do not want to feel like that again, so out of control. Drinking used to be a way for me to relax and have a good time, guess it won't be that way for me on this med. I like the way the med feels too much though, so I will stick with it and kick the drinking.

I drink occasionally. If I have two drinks I'm buzzed and if I have 3 drinks I'm drunk. I think the meds lower my tolerance some. I definitely think they lengthen my recovery time.

Weird I was just thinking of this this morning. I've never been a drinker... I've tried.. I always feel left out at parties when everyone is having a good time. Every time I drink though I just feel achy and gross. Not drunk. Anyway I tried again last night and nothing. I took three shots of 100 proof and nothing. I really just need to let it go.

From what I understand weed and alcohol have a "kindling" effect on BP. That after time it will bring on an episode.

When I asked my pdoc about just having a drink now and then..(because I didn't have the balls to say a toke) He said absolutely not! Hmmmm...