Abstract

The effects of single doses and chronic administration of ethanol on the properties of experimental seizures were investigated in mice.

Anticonvulsant effects of ethanol were observed only with doses of the drug which approached or exceeded those causing general central nervous system depression.

Transient lowering of seizure threshold temporally superseded the primary anticonvulsant effects of single doses of the drug. The possible significance of this hyperexcitability with regard to the usual recommendation that patients with epilepsy abstain from alcohol is discussed.

Hypersusceptibility to seizures, as evidenced by lowering of seizure threshold, persisted for at least several days after abrupt cessation of chronic administration of ethanol. It has been tentatively concluded that this withdrawal hyperexcitability represents an easily measured manifestation of physical dependence which develops during chronic administration of ethanol.