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Lexapro and Seizures
Wed, 06/29/2005 - 16:22HI,
I had my first and only 2 seizures on May 14, very scary, and they have since been controlled with Dilantin. Since I never had seizures before and the only medication I was on was Lexapro I am wondering if there is a connection. Anyone else hear anything about this type of reaction with an anti-depressant?
Comments
RE: Lexapro and Seizures
Submitted by dayna on Wed, 2005-06-29 - 16:22
hi,
I was on the Anti-Depressant Nortriptyline. It obviously lowered my seizure threshold. After I was finally removed from it my seizures calmed down. I took it from October 2004 to April 2005. My seizures were happening at least 2-3 times a week, but at one point they were 2-3 times a day. I was taken off all AED's in April, we are trying an alternative approach to see if my seizures can be stopped completely. I still have the nocturnals and simple partials, but the drops have stopped and T/C haven't been happening lately while I am awake. Of course I am avoiding my triggers too.
hi,
I was on the Anti-Depressant Nortriptyline. It obviously lowered my seizure threshold. After I was finally removed from it my seizures calmed down. I took it from October 2004 to April 2005. My seizures were happening at least 2-3 times a week, but at one point they were 2-3 times a day. I was taken off all AED's in April, we are trying an alternative approach to see if my seizures can be stopped completely. I still have the nocturnals and simple partials, but the drops have stopped and T/C haven't been happening lately while I am awake. Of course I am avoiding my triggers too.
RE: Lexapro and Seizures
Submitted by LeeMc on Fri, 2005-07-08 - 11:27
Lee here, I take Lexapro to help level the playing field that my HRT meds don't quite handle well enough. I have had no problem with it. Before perscribing it my OBGYN contacted my Neuro and asked what he could recommend that would not cause an interaction - and Lexapro was it.
We are all different and each can react differently to whatever we are taking. I have done well with Lexapro but others may not. Talk to your docs - if you think it is a problem ask what else you can try. There are some other ways to deal with depression too - like exercise, diet, meditation and support groups (or just getting out with people too). If you can achieve relief without chemicals - all the better! Do what works for you!
Later..................Lee
Lee here, I take Lexapro to help level the playing field that my HRT meds don't quite handle well enough. I have had no problem with it. Before perscribing it my OBGYN contacted my Neuro and asked what he could recommend that would not cause an interaction - and Lexapro was it.
We are all different and each can react differently to whatever we are taking. I have done well with Lexapro but others may not. Talk to your docs - if you think it is a problem ask what else you can try. There are some other ways to deal with depression too - like exercise, diet, meditation and support groups (or just getting out with people too). If you can achieve relief without chemicals - all the better! Do what works for you!
Later..................Lee
RE: Lexapro and Seizures
Submitted by mexican_fire on Wed, 2005-06-29 - 16:02
Hi,
Yes, SSRIs and certain TTCA anti-depressants can cause seizures in people who don't have a seizure histories.
For some reason they are jsut like that. There are some drugs that are "cautioned" in its users, especially the ones with neurological problems.
AEDs change the chemical structure of the brain and the speed and function of the neurons, neurotransmitters, the synaptic gap, GABA inhibitors, etc.
When the AED changes all these things, it can cause seizures because everything has been changed and re-routed or slowed down, causing things to become out of synch, if the brain can't work right, neither can the neurons, which in turn cause seizures (the "cascade of events"). Having seizures is a scream for help, and is one of the body's ways of saying something's wrong fix me.
It is also a side effect that is rare, and if you are having difficulty with that, I would get ahold of your neuro/epi and let them know now, before this gets to far.
It may be medication-induced and if the dose of your Lexapro was reduced or stopped altogether, you may not have anymore seizures.
There are plenty of anti-depressants in this country, that someone aught to be able to find you something that won't cause this kind of misery.
Nancy
Hi,
Yes, SSRIs and certain TTCA anti-depressants can cause seizures in people who don't have a seizure histories.
For some reason they are jsut like that. There are some drugs that are "cautioned" in its users, especially the ones with neurological problems.
AEDs change the chemical structure of the brain and the speed and function of the neurons, neurotransmitters, the synaptic gap, GABA inhibitors, etc.
When the AED changes all these things, it can cause seizures because everything has been changed and re-routed or slowed down, causing things to become out of synch, if the brain can't work right, neither can the neurons, which in turn cause seizures (the "cascade of events"). Having seizures is a scream for help, and is one of the body's ways of saying something's wrong fix me.
It is also a side effect that is rare, and if you are having difficulty with that, I would get ahold of your neuro/epi and let them know now, before this gets to far.
It may be medication-induced and if the dose of your Lexapro was reduced or stopped altogether, you may not have anymore seizures.
There are plenty of anti-depressants in this country, that someone aught to be able to find you something that won't cause this kind of misery.
Nancy