Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain that can result in behaviors such as convulsions, loss of awareness, or cognitive disruptions. But how exactly does drug abuse cause seizures? It’s important to know that both prescription and illicit substances can cause seizures, in addition to withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one are concerned about seizures and drug abuse, it’s crucial to seek professional help from addiction treatment services. At SEE Purpose, we know all too well that drugs and alcohol can cause severe consequences, including seizures. We want to help educate you on the dangers of drug use and provide addiction treatment in Asheville so you can reduce your risk of health complications.
Why Does Drug Abuse Cause Seizures?
Substance abuse involves the misuse of drugs, often consuming these substances in amounts or methods not prescribed. While a wide array of short and long-term health risks is associated with drug abuse, one particularly serious consequence is the onset of seizures. About 9% of seizures are caused by a drug or poison.1
Drugs can interfere with the brain’s natural electrical activities, disrupting communication between neurons. This disruption can overstimulate the brain’s neural pathways leading to seizures in some cases.2 These seizures are often unpredictable and can occur even in individuals without a prior history of epilepsy or neurological issues.
How Drug Use Leads to Seizures
If you’re wondering how does drug abuse cause seizures, it’s important to understand the science behind drugs and their effect on the body and brain. These effects can lead to seizures and other medical complications.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Drugs disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters like dopamine, GABA, or glutamate. Overactivation of excitatory neurotransmitters (like glutamate) or suppression of inhibitory ones (like GABA) can cause seizures.3
Structural Changes in the Brain
Long-term drug abuse can cause structural damage to brain tissues, increasing the likelihood of seizures over time.4
Hypoxia (Oxygen Deprivation)
Substances like opioids reduce respiration, leading to insufficient oxygen reaching the brain, which can induce seizures. Other substances like nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”) and other inhalants, when used incorrectly, can also cause seizures due to direct brain hypoxia.5
Electrolyte Imbalances
Some drugs alter the body’s sodium, potassium, or calcium levels, all of which are critical for proper neuronal functioning. Such imbalances can result in seizures.6 Drugs like MDMA are linked with changes in electrolyte levels.7
Drugs Most Commonly Associated with Seizures
While many substances can affect the brain, several drugs stand out as being markedly linked to seizures. These include:
Stimulants
Drugs like cocaine, phencyclidine, and amphetamines are stimulants that can severely increase neural activity in the brain.8 Their “hyperstimulation” effects can cause neurons to fire excessively, inducing seizures. Cocaine, for instance, increases the release of dopamine, which may excessively excite neural pathways and lead to seizures.
Alcohol
Chronic alcohol abuse or withdrawal can cause seizures as the brain struggles to regain balance after heavy periods of alcohol consumption.9 Alcohol-related seizures can be fatal and result from severe and heavy alcohol use. That’s why access to a medical detox facility is critical for safety during the withdrawal process.
Benzodiazepines
Ironically, drugs like Valium and Xanax, prescribed to calm the brain and reduce anxiety, can lead to seizures during misuse or withdrawal. Sudden cessation after prolonged use is a major risk factor for benzodiazepine-induced seizures.10
Opioids
Opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and certain prescription painkillers like morphine can trigger seizures.11 Whether you use opioids with a prescription or without a prescription, it’s important to be on the lookout for seizures.
Hallucinogens and Synthetic Drugs
MDMA (ecstasy), synthetic cannabinoids, and LSD alter the brain’s chemistry unpredictably. These substances can overstimulate areas of the brain and are known to occasionally induce seizures.
Prescription Medications
Sometimes, even legal medications lead to seizures when they are misused or combined inappropriately (e.g., antidepressants or drugs prescribed for ADHD).12 Always follow your provider’s dosage instructions and tell them if you are experiencing any unusual side effects.
Taking the First Step Toward Better Health
Drug-induced seizures are a stark reminder of the severe impact substance abuse has on the brain. However, it’s important to emphasize that recovery is possible. For anyone experiencing seizures due to drug use, or supporting a loved one going through this, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at SEE Purpose. We’ll help guide you through the toughest stages of recovery, from medical detox to manage withdrawal to inpatient addiction treatment in Bloomington, IN. Our team knows how difficult it can be to get clean and stay clean, but we’ll be here to guide you in the right direction and help you see your purpose again.
FAQs
Will everyone who takes drugs or alcohol experience a seizure?
No, not everyone who takes drugs or alcohol will experience a seizure. Seizures are more common in individuals who have a pre-existing medical condition, such as epilepsy or a history of seizures. But, they can also occur randomly and can also occur in individuals who abuse substances at high doses or for extended periods of time.
Are there any lasting effects from having a seizure?
In some cases, seizures can cause damage to the brain and result in long-term effects such as memory loss, difficulty with concentration and attention, and changes in mood and behavior. However, these effects vary from person to person and can be managed with proper treatment and support.
How can seizures be managed or treated?
Seizures are typically managed with medication, which can help control the abnormal electrical activity in the brain. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the area of the brain causing seizures. Lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and of course, getting addiction treatment can help.
What should I do if someone is having a seizure?
If you witness someone having a seizure, it is important to stay calm and try to make sure they are safe from harm. Do not try to restrain the person or put anything in their mouth, as this can cause further injury. Instead, move any objects that could hurt them out of the way and cushion their head with a soft item such as a pillow or jacket. Time the seizure and call for emergency medical assistance.
What if I stop using alcohol or drugs and still have seizures?
It is possible for a person to continue having seizures even after they stop using substances. This can be due to changes in brain chemistry or damage caused by long-term drug or alcohol use. It is important to seek medical help and follow a treatment plan, which may include medication and therapy, to manage the seizures.
References
- Chen, H., Albertson, T. E., & Olson, K. R. (2016). Treatment of drug‐induced seizures. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 81(3), 412–419. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.12720
- Larson, E. A., Accardi, M. V., Zhong, Y., Paquette, D., & Authier, S. (2021). Drug-Induced Seizures: Considerations for Underlying Molecular Mechanisms. International Journal of Toxicology, 40(5), 403–412. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818211040483
- Snodgrass, S. R. (1992). GABA and Epilepsy: Their Complex Relationship and the Evolution of Our Understanding. Journal of Child Neurology, 7(1), 77–86. https://doi.org/10.1177/088307389200700114
- Wirrell, E. (2020, December 30). Structural Causes of Epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com/causes/structural
- Lee Ti Davidson. (2023). Recreational use of nitrous oxide causes seizure, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium: nitrous oxide and its harm, a case report. Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences, 128. https://doi.org/10.48101/ujms.v128.10281
- Alamin, M. A., Ahmed, A., & Suliman, A. (2020). Severe Electrolyte Disturbances Complicated by Seizures and Acute Kidney Injury Within 10 Days of Starting Indapamide. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11303
- Ghatol, A., & Kazory, A. (2012). Ecstasy-Associated Acute Severe Hyponatremia and Cerebral Edema: A Role for Osmotic Diuresis? The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 42(6), e137–e140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.05.001
- Alldredge, B. K., Lowenstein, D. H., & Simon, R. P. (1989). Seizures associated with recreational drug abuse. Neurology, 39(8), 1037–1037. https://doi.org/10.1212/wnl.39.8.1037
- Rogawski, M. A. (2005). Update on the Neurobiology of Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures. Epilepsy Currents, 5(6), 225–230. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1535-7511.2005.00071.x
- Hu, X. (2011). Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures and management. The Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association, 104(2), 62–65. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21815323/
- Potschka, H., Friderichs, E., & Löscher, W. (2000). Anticonvulsant and proconvulsant effects of tramadol, its enantiomers and its M1 metabolite in the rat kindling model of epilepsy. British Journal of Pharmacology, 131(2), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjp.0703562
- Rosenstein, D. L., Nelson, J. C., & Jacobs, S. C. (1993). Seizures associated with antidepressants: a review. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 54(8), 289–299. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8253696/
