Questions posted in the The Addiction Forum have been answered by Steven Adelman, M.D. and by Richard C. Bozian M.D. F.A.C.P. of Harvard Vanguard Medical Group.

Question Title: epilepsy

Forum: The Addiction Forum
Topic: Drugs

Posted by A. on July 21, 1999 at 18:58:37

I would like to know if there is any correlation with decades of heroin abuse and epilepsy. I have had 3 seizures, once while on methadone, and the others when i was using nothing. I had a visual clue that something was wrong: blinded or could not register what i was seeing; I was unconcious from 1/2 hour to 2 hours. I do not remember any of what happened.
Is this coincedence or related? Is there any correlation with vivid dreaming and temporal lobe disorders?

Posted by RS,EdD,HVMA on July 23, 1999 at 18:12:05

As a rule, there is no connection between methadone or other narcotic use and seizures, whether you're using or even in withdrawal. Of course, everyone's body is different and anything's possible when you're using street drugs. Also, some street drugs are cut with chemicals that can cause seizures. Actually, the drug most associated with seizures is alcohol. If you use alcohol regularly and then stop all at once (cold turkey), some people can have seizures. People often minimize or downplay their use of alcohol as if it's not a "real" drug, especially when they're involved with so-called "heavy" drugs, like narcotics. So if you have tendency to have seizures, be careful with all drugs but especially alcohol.

As far as vivid dreams and temporal lobe disorders, I'm not sure. A neurologist would know more about that. I'm a psychologist. You may want to search the web on temporal lobe disorders for that info. Good luck!

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