mood changes and how to deal with them

I take medication for the mood swings.  I take Lexapro.  But there are others.  Wellbutrin is NOT a good one since it can cause seizures.  STAY AWAY FROM THAT ONE.  There is also Zyprexa, Effexor, Paxil, and Zoloft.  These usually cover depression, so ask the doctor about them.  Chances are the Anti-epileptic drug is causing the irritability, perhaps due to a change in metabolism (perhaps in metabolism of food, such as in Topamax or Depakote, does the person get irritable when they are hungry?  With Depakote, I had to eat every 2 hours or I would pass out because it sped up my metabolism) or some insomnia--the anxiety of having a seizure can keep someone awake nights and everyone knows how much a grouch one can be without much sleep.  Thus the medications or the epilepsy itself may make someone irritable and snap, appearing to pick a fight and look mad a the world all the time.  Lexapro has helped me through that, since it was something my family could not stand.  I was once a sweet, charming individual whom eveyone liked and people walking down the street would speak to me because my face said "Hey, I'm nice and I care".  Certain circumstances over the last two years changed that and my meds changed me into a blunt, tell it like it is, even mean tempered person.  Lexapro and changing my seizure medications helped me to be more like my old self again and I am much happier.  Best of luck!

I take medication for the mood swings.  I take Lexapro.  But there are others.  Wellbutrin is NOT a good one since it can cause seizures.  STAY AWAY FROM THAT ONE.  There is also Zyprexa, Effexor, Paxil, and Zoloft.  These usually cover depression, so ask the doctor about them.  Chances are the Anti-epileptic drug is causing the irritability, perhaps due to a change in metabolism (perhaps in metabolism of food, such as in Topamax or Depakote, does the person get irritable when they are hungry?  With Depakote, I had to eat every 2 hours or I would pass out because it sped up my metabolism) or some insomnia--the anxiety of having a seizure can keep someone awake nights and everyone knows how much a grouch one can be without much sleep.  Thus the medications or the epilepsy itself may make someone irritable and snap, appearing to pick a fight and look mad a the world all the time.  Lexapro has helped me through that, since it was something my family could not stand.  I was once a sweet, charming individual whom eveyone liked and people walking down the street would speak to me because my face said "Hey, I'm nice and I care".  Certain circumstances over the last two years changed that and my meds changed me into a blunt, tell it like it is, even mean tempered person.  Lexapro and changing my seizure medications helped me to be more like my old self again and I am much happier.  Best of luck!

My deep appreciation for you both, My only real heart felt thing to share is , ask you daughter what she is feeling and how you might be of help. Also to take care of yourself . It can be very very hard for the one going thru seizures they have a feeling of great range of emotions, at least I do. My anger is something I need to work out from time to time and for me excersise and having a counselor can help with. I wish you both much patiences and understanding for each of your situations. Gentle love is a wonderful gift. Peace!