Substance Use and Seizures: My Experience
Greetings, I’m a 25-year-old male. Back in 2020, I found myself deeply entangled in a benzodiazepine addiction, consuming 10mg of Xanax, 40mg of Valium, along with daily alcohol and hash intake. This led to drug-induced psychosis, prompting me to abruptly cease all use. Subsequently, I experienced a severe seizure that required me to relearn basic functions like walking and speaking. I was prescribed levetiracetam but discontinued it after a few weeks, believing my issues stemmed from benzodiazepine withdrawal. After that, I managed to only smoke hash and drink without facing major issues. Fast forward to 2023, I experimented with nitrous oxide balloons for a week, which again resulted in another significant seizure, although not as severe as the previous one. I chose not to seek hospital treatment. I continued my routine of smoking hash and consuming alcohol until February 2025, at which point I began using cocaine irregularly, primarily on weekends, in addition to my daily alcohol consumption. Things took a turn in mid-May when I traveled abroad. For four days, I refrained from smoking hash and hadn’t touched cocaine for two weeks prior. However, while I was away, I drank heavily for two consecutive days and endured three severe seizures. This led to hospitalization, where I suspected my alcohol abuse was a major factor, coupled with earlier cocaine use. Now I’m back on levetiracetam and have been substance-free for three weeks. However, I’m grappling with intense anxiety attacks that once necessitated an ambulance visit due to concerns of a possible heart issue. Upon hospital admission, I was given a low dose of alprazolam (0.25mg) for emergencies. My question is whether it would be safe for me to continue using cannabis, exclusively. Could my recent seizure incidents be attributed to halting THC consumption? Or, is my seizure risk primarily linked to my past drug use? Given that I’m on medication, can I safely use cannabis without triggering another seizure? While I recognize the risks associated with alcohol, I’m curious if cannabis holds the same potential risks. In the past, I have consumed cannabis post-seizure with no issues, but I now face apprehension about repeating the experience. I would much prefer to use cannabis over resorting to alprazolam and its addictive potential.
Answers (1)
6/16/2025, 10:30:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear that you've been substance-free for three weeks. Your history with substance use and seizures clearly shows that you're navigating a complex situation that involves both physical and mental health. It's crucial to make informed decisions regarding your health, particularly in relation to cannabis use.
Main Points:
- Your recent seizures may be influenced by your history of substance use and current medications, rather than solely from stopping THC.
- Cannabis can have varying effects on individuals, especially those with a history of seizures and anxiety.
- It’s essential to approach cannabis use thoughtfully and under a healthcare provider's guidance.
Explanation:
Given your medical history, including a dependence on benzodiazepines and alcohol, and your recent seizure episodes after heavy drinking, it's understandable to be concerned about any substances you consume. Seizures can be triggered by abrupt changes in substance use, dehydration, stress, lack of sleep, or other factors. The risk of seizures can be heightened with substances that impact the central nervous system, such as alcohol and possibly cannabis.
While some individuals with a similar history may tolerate cannabis without issues, others might experience anxiety or even seizures as a result. The effect of cannabis can be unpredictable, particularly for someone with your background of substance use and withdrawal experiences.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay close attention to how you feel after consuming cannabis, especially your anxiety levels and any physical symptoms. Keep a journal of your experiences to identify patterns.
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Consult Your Doctor: It would be beneficial to discuss your cannabis use with your healthcare provider, especially since you're on levetiracetam and may have concerns regarding interactions or seizure risks.
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Explore Alternative Anxiety Relief: Consider discussing non-addictive strategies for managing anxiety, such as mindfulness, therapy, or non-benzodiazepine medication options.
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Stay Substance-Free Initially: Since you’ve just started your recovery journey, it might be wise to remain completely substance-free for a while longer to allow your body and mind to stabilize. Focus on building a strong foundation in your recovery before reintroducing any substances.
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Emergency Plan: Given your history of seizures, ensure you have an emergency action plan, and possibly carry a rescue medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Your health and well-being are the top priority. It's commendable that you're seeking clarity and guidance as you navigate these challenges. If you ever have concerns or questions about your health, promptly addressing them can truly make a difference in your recovery journey.
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