Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Tremors
Thu, 06/17/2004 - 17:34Topic: Medication Issues
I am taking 1,000 mg Depakote ER and 400 - 500 mg Dilantin daily. The last seizure was 4/20/04 (which was when they increased my Depakote ER from 500 to 1000). I now have tremors. I had a blood level done yesterday and the Dilantin level is 19.7 (acceptable because "normal" is between 10-20) and the Depakote level is 49.7 (acceptable because "normal" is 50). The tremors are not constant, but often (and I probably notice them more than others). But my neuro says, "Would you rather have tremors or seizures?"Anyone else having tremors? I looked on the Internet and it's a side effect. (But I'd just as soon not have them.)
Comments
RE: Tremors
Submitted by mexican_fire on Thu, 2004-06-17 - 17:34
GKT~I do get tired, but it is more of the fatigue that comes with all the misfiring in my brain. I have been really sick for 1 1/2 years with this, but have had it for 3 1/2. The last 9 months or so previous to this one, my seizures were hard to control, and I had to have a VEEG, and they removed me from all 3 drugs, and watched me have 3 different types of seizures on 3 different days, in an 8-day span.That is how they caught this, other than 2/3 abnormal EEGs.So, I was VERY tired before they did the VEEG, but have since gotten a little more energy back since they changed all of my meds but one.I would say that it goes along with this. Especially if you are just prior to, or after the seizure, as well, you can be overwhelmed by fatigue.Some of tiredness, can come from any AED, as most of them cause, to an extent, some variability of sedation, and that can slow you down, and make you feel tired.All your exercise can wear you out with epilepsy, as well. You are really over doing that.You have to watch how much exercise you get or do, when you have epilepsy, because the more you do, and the harder you do it, the more stressed out your body, and your brain get, and stress is HUGE trigger for seizure-prone people--and I mean huge.I don't think you are getting a good night's sleep either, with getting up that early in the morning.They (my epileptologists) always told me that epileptics need to try and get between 9-11 hours of sleep every night, so their brains can rest.I go to bed at 11 pm MST, or maybe a little later, but normally 11. I get up around 9-9 30 am MST. That is 10 1/2 hours of sleep for me.That is what I think.Nancy
Re: Tremors
Submitted by Colina on Thu, 2005-11-10 - 13:48
Hi gkt. I'm certainly with ya on that one! I have tremors as well,mostly my left hand. It can be very embarasing at times. Sometimes it is so bad I have to hold it down with my other hand. In public is the worst. Sometimes I also have a very hard time writing or printing. My epiletologist says it is one of the meds I'm on and we need to change that but first I'm having a bunch of tests for my actual seizures. Also my friends and family often ask if I have eaten. Tell doc. you NEED to change meds and that you know there are many out there. Good luck Colina
RE: Tremors
Submitted by GKT on Wed, 2004-06-16 - 17:53
Nancy:Are you tired as well? My husband, like you, goes along with my doctor, so I'm beginning to think I'm a whiner!I go to bed at 10:15(ish) and get up at 5:30. I go for a workout before work and I take a nap almost every lunch hour. Yesterday I almost fell asleep at the wheel going home.Thanks for your reply.GKT