Bad Memory, spaciness, and depression.. how should i fix these?

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im 17 going onto 18 soon.. the only time i had ever taken a real grand mal seizure in my life was in first grade (thank god). However, I am the spaciest kid alive, as everyone tells me. My memory is completely fried (as people constantly make fun of me for it), my grades have dropped tremendously, i have extreme mood swings, i feel as though i am constantly changing personalities to find out who i am, or to get others to like me (sometimes i swear i have social anxiety). My doctor confirmed that i have depression, as every day is a stuggle and i am constantly, and i mean constantly, hating myself. overall, are these typical side effects of epilepsy? and if so, i dont understand as to why they arent going away with the medication i am taking... i am taking lamotrigene and i can see absolutely no difference... however, when i dont take it, i do get extreme de ja vu, and nausia after.. (which my doctor cant really understand as to why i get these..) Overall, do you think i am forever going to be like this? has seizures officially damaged my brain forever? do you think it would almost be better to switch to an anti-deppresant?

Comments

Re: Bad Memory, spaciness, and depression

Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Sat, 2010-08-07 - 13:49

You're quite right. As your dose of the lamotrigene increases, it acts as BOTH an anti-depressant and an anti-epilepsy med.

Also, not all seizures are grand mals. For a list of seizure types, go to the orange boxes on the left. Click on "All about Epilepsy and Seizures" and then click on "Types of Seizures." This website has a wealth of information. You just have to figure out how to navigate it. (It took me a while!)

As for when you see your doc, keep these tips in mind...

Be Prepared

Make sure you keep a daily seizure diary, noting your sleep patterns, what you eat, how you feel, any auras or triggers that you can identify.. Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of seizure it was and how long it lasted. Write down any major stresses or recent life changes that could trigger seizure activity. All of this can help your doc can get a better idea of what’s going on with you.

Bring along a family member or friend to help describe your seizures or to take notes during visits to your doctor. They can offer support and a second pair of ears.

Let your doc know how you’re responding to your current medications. Be sure to share your concerns about any side effects, drug reactions, behavior changes, physical changes, trouble sleeping, loss of memory, or even brain fog.

Come armed with questions Preparing a list of questions in advance will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. List your questions and the doctor’s answers from most important to least important in case time runs out. Be persistent in asking your questions until you fully understand the explanation. If you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask more questions -- take more notes.

Make sure you understand the script and whether name brand or generic will make a difference to your condition. And make sure you know exactly what the doctor wants you to do before you leave the office.

Ask about follow-up and get a contact number so if you happen to think of more questions, or forgot something the doctor told you, you can call the office immediately and request the information.

Also, I think Barb G. had some excellent points about being positive. When I was in rehab (trust me, suicide is not a pretty place to be) there was this wonderful woman who instilled in us: "Gratitude is the additude." Everyday, I list 5-10 things I'm greateful for. Some can be deep, emotional thoughts. Other's can be like the ones on my list today:

1. My cousin's generous loan of her beach house
2. Our first vacation in 3 years
3. Sun and sea
4. Watching Joshua getting married
5. Seeing all of my dear friends at a joyous event!

Just the effort and the thinking process helps you see things in a better light. Try it. If you want a little inspiration, go to my website and take a look at the "Gratitude is the Attitude" thread. And feel free to chime in!!! ;-) Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

You're quite right.  As your dose of the  lamotrigene increases, it acts as BOTH an anti-depressant and an anti-epilepsy med. Also, not all seizures are grand mals.  For a list of seizure types, go to the orange boxes on the left.  Click on "All about Epilepsy and Seizures" and then click on "Types of Seizures."  This website has a wealth of information.  You just have to figure out how to navigate it.  (It took me a while!) As for when you see your doc, keep these tips in mind... Be Prepared Make sure you keep a daily seizure diary, noting your sleep patterns, what you eat, how you feel, any auras or triggers that you can identify..  Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of seizure it was and how long it lasted. Write down any major stresses or recent life changes that could trigger seizure activity. All of this can help your doc can get a better idea of what’s going on with you.   Bring along a family member or friend to help describe your seizures or to take notes during visits to your doctor.  They can offer support and a second pair of ears.  Let your doc know how you’re responding to your current medications.  Be sure to share your concerns about any side effects, drug reactions, behavior changes, physical changes, trouble sleeping, loss of memory, or even brain fog.   Come armed with questions Preparing a list of questions in advance will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. List your questions and the doctor’s answers from most important to least important in case time runs out. Be persistent in asking your questions until you fully understand the explanation.  If you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask more questions -- take more notes. Make sure you understand the script and whether name brand or generic will make a difference to your condition.  And make sure you know exactly what the doctor wants you to do before you leave the office. Ask about follow-up and get a contact number so if you happen to think of more questions, or forgot something the doctor told you, you can call the office immediately and request the information. Also, I think Barb G. had some excellent points about being positive.  When I was in rehab (trust me, suicide is not a pretty place to be) there was this wonderful woman who instilled in us: "Gratitude is the additude."  Everyday, I list 5-10 things I'm greateful for.  Some can be deep, emotional thoughts.  Other's can be like the ones on my list today: 1. My cousin's generous loan of her beach house 2. Our first vacation in 3 years 3. Sun and sea 4. Watching Joshua getting married 5. Seeing all of my dear friends at a joyous event!  Just the effort and the thinking process helps you see things in a better light.  Try it.  If you want a little inspiration, go to my website and take a look at the "Gratitude is the Attitude" thread.  And feel free to chime in!!!  ;-)     Phylis Feiner Johnson    <a href="http://www.epilepsytalk.com/">www.epilepsytalk.com</a>