Going Out-Out

First things first, for most places, you need a form of ID to get into a bar or club on a night out. We know not everyone has a driving license, and sometimes taking your passport just isn't the best thing to do. The PASS Scheme accredits a number of national and local suppliers of hologrammed cards. To apply for a card you need to contact one of the schemes on their site but it's the perfect ID card to take on a night out and is accepted just like any other form of ID. Check out their site to have your new ID in no time. 

Chances are you may be the first person to tell security that you’ve got drugs in your bag – legal ones obviously. But be honest and let them know.

Most door staff are trained and accredited so they can make sure you’re as safe as possible on a night out and can help you. As some antiepileptic drugs are classed as ‘controlled substances’, like buccal midazolam, it’s illegal for anyone to be in possession of them other than you. With this in mind it’s worth contacting the club in advance to let them know that you’ll be carrying it so the door staff will be expecting you. Of course, this isn’t as easy if you’re not sure what club you’ll be going to. However, some clubs have on-site medics and dedicated medical rooms where you can take your meds, recover or just take time out if needed. Ask ANY member of staff and they’ll know where this room is and should be able to help you. Make sure you keep your meds in a sealed bag in their original packaging with the prescription sticker attached. This helps all staff clearly identify that your meds are legal and only to be kept in your possession.  This may mean your meds need to be registered with the on-site medic. Sharing information on your meds is a great way of educating everyone – bouncers, besties and bar managers – so if you need it you’ve got support.

You may have seizures that aren’t obvious and don’t involve convulsing or collapsing, they may just be subtle and change your behaviour slightly. To those who don’t know you – this may just make you look like you’ve had too much to drink or have taken recreational drugs. And the risk is, they may think you’re ok when you actually need help. Carrying medical ID and making as many people in the venue aware of your meds as possible means you stand more chance of medical professionals and paramedics being able to help you. They’ll support you when you need it and reduce the risk of your seizures being seen as something other than they are.

The most important thing to remember is that knowing your body inside out is your superpower. You know it better than anyone. So how can you stay safe on a night out?

You have your close friends. The people you spend most of your time with. They all know about your epilepsy, but what about the ones that don’t? You can’t tell everyone on the dancefloor, behind the bar or your driver. And neither should you have to – but you can open your circle of trust. Have you considered wearing medical ID jewellery? Just in case of an emergency? Or maybe you’ve thought about some ink to make things easier and blending your medical ID with a tattoo? These can still be subtle ways to keep you safe.

Your friends can help you have the best night ever if they know what your limits are. Make sure you’re with people you trust who know what to do if you feel ill…and who you can tell if you’re calling it a night – don’t just grab an Uber and disappear.

Photosensitive epilepsy affects less than 3% of young people with epilepsy. But if you have photosensitive epilepsy, you’ll know that flashing lights or strobe lights may trigger a seizure. This doesn’t mean you can’t go clubbing or to a live gig. It just means you might need to check with the venues what lighting they use and if there’ll be flashing lights. Everyone is different and you should know what types of light are likely to trigger a seizure. However, as a guide it’s usually a flicker rate of between 5-30 times a second that causes seizures.

Headaches can be a sign of dehydration. Hangovers are the ultimate example as alcohol dehydrates the body. Clubs are hot places. You dance, burn calories and sweat a little. Even if you’re drinking soft-drinks you can still be dehydrated. Some seizures are triggered by dehydration. So, it’s vital you listen to your body on a night out. Drink plenty of water on the day before you go out and when you get home. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with friends and keep drinking. Swap alcoholic drinks for water or a soft drink and balance your fluid levels.

It’s easy to deprive yourself of sleep. Sometimes there’s just not enough hours in the day. But if tiredness is one of your triggers it’s worth planning your sleep ahead. Alcohol disrupts sleep. Having a good night’s sleep (hyperlink to sleep content) before and after a night out will help you recover.

One word – moderation. This applies to everyone. If you’re taking epilepsy meds and drinking alcohol, you know how this can affect you. It’s recommended you drink no more than 2 units a day if you have epilepsy (this is the equivalent of one pint or a double spirit). Some medication isn’t affected by alcohol whereas some is. It may worsen the side effects of some anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) and can increase the effects of alcohol on your body. Talk to your epilepsy doctor to see what could affect you. Alcohol can increase the likelihood of seizures. This doesn’t mean you can’t drink. It just means you have to be more careful than your mates. We all overdo it sometimes but being sick and vomiting may reduce the level of medication in your system. Which could trigger a seizure, so go steady.

The most dangerous thing you can do is skip your meds. If you’re tempted to do this because of a night out or special occasion, talk to your epilepsy doctor first. They may be able to plan a different timetable for your meds to fit around things.

You don’t need us to tell you about drugs or the risks involved with taking them. Chances are you won’t be the slightest bit interested in taking recreational drugs. But that doesn’t mean you won’t come into contact with them. Taking recreational drugs can rapidly increase the risks of a seizure. Mixed with anti-epileptic meds they’re a cocktail for disaster that could lead to serious health implications long term. In fact, research shows that people with epilepsy who abuse drugs, alcohol and other substances face an increased risk of injury and death so it’s vital you think seriously before you take any risks.