Re: Alcohol & BEB
Hi Mike, Alcohol acts as a muscle relaxant and probably relieves the eye squeezing for this reason. I don't know if any specific studies have been done on this or not. I know that we have talked about it on the bb before and I know that at least one other person has mentioned that it helped but did not totally relieve his symptoms. I don't want to mention any names (Alan) :-) but maybe he will post about it.
I'm almost a non-drinker (4 wine coolers a year just about does it) so haven't had a lot of first hand experience with this.
A lot of us take other medications that wouldn't mix well with any alcohol so I wouldn't want people to do a "trial" of their own without first consulting with their doctors about what medications they are taking and alcohol consumption.Shirley in Arkansas
Re: Alcohol & BEB
OK, now that Shirley hinted about me , I can fill you in with my experiences with Alcohol and BEB. Actually, in the early stages and before I started taking the medications I am now taking (Klonopin and Neurontin), I found that having a Manhattan or two when I went out to dinner really relaxed me and my evening more bearable. I would even be going into a restaurant with my eyes spasming like crazy and I would get nervous if the waiter or waitress took too long to get the drink order. I never drink at home except for an occasional beer in the summer but I used to find the Manhattan worked. I was afraid to start drinking them in the house as I did not want to turn into an alcoholic.After my operations and since taking the medication, I find the opposite is now true particularly if I take a drink close to when I take my medication. Of course it says you shouldn't mix with alcohol in the first place. Fortunately, in this case, I don't drive so if there is a problem it is not an issue. The only thing that does happen is that I get real sleeply. I did talk to my doctor originally about it and he said that alcohol did tend to relax the muscles but he had come across some patients who over did it and became alcohol dependent. Hope this answers you question. I guess a little in moderation won't hurt....Alan
Re: Alcohol & BEB
Someone on some bb said they took 5 oz. of wine every night so they could watch t.v. Ann Doyle
Re: Alcohol & BEB
Alcohol is just like prescription drugs in that different people are affected very differently. Alcohol exacerbates my blepharospasm - two drinks give real meaning to the expression 'blind drunk'.Bob in the northern boonies
--modified by Bob Campbell at Thu, Mar 07, 2002, 18:16:23
Re: Alcohol & BEB
I definitely acts as a muscle relaxant but you don't want to overdue it. Are you taking any medications that could help this problem instead of the alcohol? Also the conference newsletter mentioned that it definitely helped those with dystonia.
Re: Alcohol & BEB
I've never been a "drinker"...puts me to sleep! I can't say that I have tried it to help with BEB, but I have learned a "social trick". I really don't dare to drink because of the meds, so if I'm in a "situation", I have a small glass of white wine, filled with ice cubes! and just sip away. I use lots of ice in in Coke, tea, etc. anyway, so I say that I don't really know what the taste of ANYTHING "straight" is! This happens only about every 3 months or so! I don't feel that I'm missing anything! Mary
Re: Alcohol & BEB
I just order any alcoholic drink , hold it awhile and then set it down someplace like a table in sight and someone will pick it up. Ann Doyle
Re: Alcohol & BEB
Cute one, Ann!June in Toronto
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