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.

Can too much medication make seizures worse?

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 19:46

Hi I have been on Depakote for the past 5.5yrs and over the past 9mths have been suffering from horrible side effects that have never occurred before. They occur about 1-2hrs after taking my AM dose, eg: dizziness, nausea, dirrorea, increased ringing in ears, vertigo, difficulty concentrating or focusing on anything. Sometimes I wake up like I am in a fog. All this leads to anxiety which automatically makes things worse.

Up until 9mths ago I was on 1500mg/daily and due to these side effects I have been slowly decreasing the dosage and am now at 750mg/daily. My previous neuro mentioned that too much meds can increase the likelihood of seizures. That totally freaks me out, so whenever this feeling comes on I worry about having a seizure and so I feel like I'm on a treadmill I can't get off of.

I recently tried switching to Lamictal but the side effects became even worse. My new neuro made me feel rather stupid by saying she'd never had anyone in 5yrs have any reaction to the drug and I should just try halving or quartering the dose. I told her no thanks. Apart from those 2 drugs I have also had an awful reaction to Tegretol.

I have 2 young girls and feel awful that I can't be a good mum to them when I'm doped up on medication. My husband is great but he has to hold down a job which involves travel.

Does anyone know of any meds that have few side effects and something that your body will tolerate when you are trying to get off Depakote? Or does anyone know of the smallest dose allowable for someone on Depakote? I'm not someone who has a great deal of seizures and I'm wondering whether the meds are really worth continuing on with. Any advice is most apprecited.

 

 

Comments

Ive gained over 25 pounds the

Submitted by Nickmaldo38 on Wed, 2019-03-06 - 21:05
Ive gained over 25 pounds the first time on depakote...then got off of it for 6 months. Was able to lose 45 pounds. Then my seizures were happening too frequently so everybody wanted me back on depakote...when I explained the weight gain the DR didnt seem to believe me or even care. I told him so its ok the gain alll the weight back and start having heart attacks instead? Its been 3 months now and i have already put back on 20 pounds

Medication side effectsHiya,i

Submitted by SKOOBY1 on Fri, 2020-06-05 - 11:24
Medication side effectsHiya,i was on a certain dose of Keppra and Lamictal up to about 7 years ago and my last consultant changed my meds to so many different types and combinations i lost count and they nearly drove me mad.Clobazam was one i was put on while in hospital which was only meant to be tempory,i asked to be put back on the Keppra and Lamictal then as i was nearly completely steady until my meds were changed.My last consultant for some reason kept me on the Clobazam and put me on a high dose of Lamictal and Keppra,@ least to what i was on originally on.I've had side effects for quite some time now,from dizzyness to hallucionations and more and am now having more and more seizures every day.I now have a new consultant and have asked to be taken off the Clobazam and lowered to the original dose of Lamictal and Keppra when i was steady but it is being refused for some reason claiming,it wont work and the tablets i'm on wouldn't cause the side effects i am and have been having for some time.Any help would very much be appreciated,my first consultant was brilliant and adjusted my meds even the tinyest bit if i was having any side effects @ all,as tho he knew straight away what the problem was,sadly he died a little while back as he was old,is it now a trend for a patients not to be listened to anymore?

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.