Is a glass of Whiskey a day, OK with Parkinson's ? Stronger reaction to Alchohol for PWP?

[Swimfast]

I enjoy a glass of whiskey at the end of the day. Typically around 6pm I will have Scotch with two ice cubes; 1-1.5 measure in size. I enjoy the taste and relaxation of this. How does PD effect this habit? How many PWP have an evening glass of wine, beer or liquor?

I have noticed in the last year or so that alchohol has a stronger effect. It seems to be twice as strong as in the past. That is 1 glass feels like 2. Two glasses of wine and I feel drunk.

Either way I am exhausted and ready to sleep by 9pm, on nights when I have a glass and on nights when I have no alchohol. What is the experience of others ? Any advice ?

I take Mucuna Prurians for the equivalent of 150mg L.Dopa, at 3 hour intervals. On waking at 6am, then 9am, 12pm, 3pm. I don't take any into the evening as it gives me leg spasms, twitching when I try to sleep. Melatonin for sleep as I seem to have RBD. I have a sleep study next month to confirm.

[jimcaster]

I think a drink at night is fine. On some level, we need to live for today because tomorrow is not guaranteed. If you enjoy it, do it. On the other hand, excessive drinking isn't good for anyone regardless of whether they have PD. Peripheral neuropathy from excessive alcohol consumption is a specific concern for People with Parkinson's (PwP).

[Swimfast in reply to jimcaster]

Thank you for your response.

[Rather]

Cheers! Sometimes you have to know when it's not worth it and find a better way to relax.

[Astra7]

I find alcohol makes my meds less effective and even one drink means I have to get up at 3am to pee. It’s a high price to pay for a glass of wine, but I still have an occasional drink especially when out for dinner.

On Tuesday (Melbourne cup day) I had a long lunch in the afternoon with a few drinks and could hardly get the body moving enough to get me home. A bit distressing really.

[Lizzy9]

Hello Swimfast ~ My HwP enjoys a glass of wine at night. He says he thinks that it does help him relax and go to sleep.

Like others have commented ~ (hopefully) we don’t have to give up everything! We still need some pleasures. And my husband really enjoys his glass of wine.

I might add that in the summer he’ll also have a beer in addition to his wine.

Cheers!!🍷

Have a fabulous day!!

[Kia17]

Swimfast,

You said “I have noticed in the last year or so that alchohol has a stronger effect. It seems to be twice as strong as in the past. That is 1 glass feels like 2. Two glasses of wine and I feel drunk”

That shows your liver is crying for help and your level of Glutathione is quite low thus your liver can’t detoxifies alcohol as effective as in the past . There are many safe alternative ways for relaxation.

[kaypeeoh in reply to Kia17]

Regularly drinking one or two glasses of wine should cause a little bit of resistance, meaning it takes more and more to get that buzz. Alcohol is broken down in the liver. Years ago the news mentioned that people who drank just one or two glasses per day were healthier than tea-totalers. It didn't matter which type of alcohol was used. Red wine or beer were as good as vodka. I have one bottle of beer at night. I'd wonder why your second drink has more of an effect that the first one. Maybe get a liver panel or at least talk to a doctor.

[Swimfast]

Thanks everyone. I have decided to do 1 month with no alchohol just to see what happens. Then i can see if this is a healthy habit or have i become dependant on it. Will update nearer to Christmas on my experiment.All of my blood panels, including liver are always excellent, so not sure if there is a problem. Things can always change so i will keep an eye on that. Cheers!