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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Anna, IL
February 25, 2025
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MyParkinsonsTeam

Alcohol can have several impacts on people with Parkinson's disease. The most significant concern is how it interacts with common PD medications, particularly [[treatment:levodopa/carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]]. Many neurologists recommend avoiding alcohol while taking these medications because it can make side Show Full Answer

Alcohol can have several impacts on people with Parkinson's disease. The most significant concern is how it interacts with common PD medications, particularly [[treatment:levodopa/carbidopa:55d534f51fcaa397470006dd]]. Many neurologists recommend avoiding alcohol while taking these medications because it can make side effects worse and may reduce the medication's effectiveness.

Some MyParkinsonsTeam members have reported that drinking alcohol interferes with their medication's ability to work properly. Others have found they needed to reduce their alcohol intake due to increased side effects. While some studies haven't found small amounts of alcohol to be harmful, the type of alcoholic beverage may matter. For example, liquor consumption has shown more potential risks compared to wine. Long-term excessive alcohol use may have neurotoxic effects on dopamine in the brain, which is already affected by Parkinson's disease.

If you're considering whether to drink alcohol, it's important to have an open conversation with your neurologist about your specific situation. Many people find that listening to their body and adjusting their habits accordingly works best. Some have switched to alcohol-free alternatives or limited their intake to minimize negative effects.

February 25, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Alcohol makes PD worse, at least for me, I was a beer drinker daily and made PD much worse I couldn't even stand. So off to Detox then inpatient PT. for 3 months. I did it 6 times, always around springtime before I finally quit. I haven't drank since my last visit there April May and June 2023 was my last inpatient PT and haven't drank since. I do get in home PT 2X a week. So Jeff put the plug in the jug and don't drink,

February 26, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I will have to play “devils advocate” on this one. I totally agree that drinking alcohol is not recommended along with taking ANY medication
However, I feel better when I have a couple of drinks. My tremors aren’t as bad, my voice, which gives me great problems, is better also. I feel happier, funnier, more hopeful for my future… and etc. I wish it didn’t make me feel this way, due to conventional wisdom on the subject, and I could give it up easily, but I don’t want to. I’m going to (hopefully) be having DBS surgery soon which may greatly change my opinion on this subject. I don’t figure I have long to live at the rate I am going, so any positive relief is a welcome change. I am extra careful when IV had a couple of drinks, and walk slower not to fall, (but smile whilst I’m doing it). It’s been working for me
i.e I’m taking carbidopa/levedopa 6—
3 times daily, 300mg Wellbutrin a day,
350 mg Buspirone a day (and then metropolol, levothyroxine, and duloxetine I have taken since long before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s). I also have started taking ABILIFY for my debilitating depression and anxiety that I have had since being diagnosed in 2022.
It has helped a lot as I have been suicidal a couple of times. I basically lost my whole life: a wonderful 40 year travel job, my fiancé, my 25 year old son (whom both are ashamed to be seen in public with me, with the jerking, tremors, and the way I talk. My income,, My 401k money is gone,, and may lose my house before too long.
I’m sure you all can understand why I like to have a couple of drinks from time-to-time. Cherish your wonderful partners and family that make this hideous disease a little easier to get through🥲🤕🧑🏼‍🦲

February 26, 2025
Hi, this is just a check-in, based on a phrase you mentioned. If you — or anyone else who sees this — is thinking about self-harm, we want to say that you are an important part of this community. No part of this is easy, but there is support that can help. Read more >
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I agree also

February 26, 2025
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I absolutely agree.

February 26, 2025

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