Alcohol and MG
 

I have found I cannot no longer drink alcohol since being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. I enjoyed a glass of wine every evening for many years - but no more! My face gets very red, I get short of breath, and a headache. Best I can find out, it has to do with increased alcohol sensitivity and acetylcoline.

Alice, Do you drink red wine? Do you also take mestinon? I used to get a red face drinking red wine, but never got a headache or shortness of breath. If you are a red wine drinker try switching to white. You may be reacting to the tannins in the red. I’ve not had any problems with red, white wine, beer, or a mixed drink, other than the occasional red face with red wine. Jim

My experience with alcohol while dealing with MG
 

For years I was a social drinker, occasional beer after work, cocktail with dinner out with friends. I loved an occasional "Jack Daniels Manhattan". I was advised by my Neuromuscular Specialist when diagnosed with MG, to refrain from any alcohol because of the effect on my muscles and coordination/balance problems. Well, I didn't listen and tried 1/2 of a beer with my wife one evening. Needless to say I will not drink again. The alcohol had a definite effect on my breathing. I'm not saying that this will happen to everyone, but please be careful with drinking alcohol everyone.

Alcohol and Mestinon
 

I also get red splotches and have trouble breathing if I have any alcohol when taking Mestinon.

I used to love single malt scotch and Robroy manhattans before I was diagnosed with MG in 2017. I know what you are going through. My neurologist advised me not to drink and you look at it logically of coarse we all know that alcohol can effect your muscles and probably effects your body in other ways with MG. I had to learn the hard way and after drinking one beer I developed a breathing crisis. As much as I love Scotch or beer I will never drink again after that experience.

I drank whiskey heavily with MG for years, mainly self medicating for depression. My muscle weakness would get slightly worse hole drinking but nowhere near as bad as if I’m out in the heat or doing physical work/exercise.