Is Alcohol Consumption Safe While On Gabapentin?

Posted on Wed, 30 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 Answered on

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : On Christmas day my twenty-six-year-old son drank alcohol (something he rarely does) while on his prescription medication, Gabapentin. He was at a party and during this time...left without telling his friends, on foot. It appears he then became lost. Went into another apartment where he encountered several individuals and they had an altercation. He is not aggressive by nature but appears to have been out of control. The police were called and he was arrested. They did not check his alcohol blood level or do a toxicology test. He doesn't remember any of this and is now in big trouble. Have there been any reports of adverse reactions between Gabapentin and alcohol? Thanks for your expertise.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Alcohol could aggravate side effects of Gabapentin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Use of Gabapentin together with alcohol can increase nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj