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.

Comprehension

Wed, 11/29/2006 - 10:51
Partial Complex Seizures is my diagnosis. The last med I am on is Lamictal. At first I thought this is the one but after taking it for almost 3 years I am more than discouraged. I have gone from being an respected intelligent person to hearing my name associated with "dumber than a box of rocks" and it's true. I have problems performing anything but menial tasks and accept it. I do have an appt with my neurologist this month and have decided to ask to be removed from the drug. Over one year ago I told him what was happening and I get the same reaction most of us do. It is a side effect to overcome. I asked for some type of IQ test and his answer was we can do one but you'll feel pretty dumb. I appreciated the honesty. In WI you can not have a drivers license if you are unmedicated. This is extremely depressing because we live in a small town on the outskirts so it takes my independence from me. My friends have become less and less which is understandable because I have beome like communicating with a child conversing. Has anyone taken any drug that doesn't leave you brain dumb. I think I've gotten to the point I'd rather deal with seizures than live like this. I used to teach others on computer and now I can't even understand when someone else tries to show me.

Comments

Hi.. Here are some pages on

Submitted by solis on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 13:04
Hi.. Here are some pages on memory and E.. You will note that it is not just meds, but seizures themselves that cause short term memory loss. http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063660416.html http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063659813.html http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063660566.html http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/memory_problems.html http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/interprob_memory.html ~sol

Re: Re: Re: Re: Comprehension

Submitted by Had It on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 14:39
I cannot comprehend let alone retain. B4 taking meds I understood things quite easily and in turn helped others understand. Now I have all I can do to try to understand/comprehend a good share of the time. Without a doubt it makes me feel totally inadequate and yes dumb. Sometimes I wish I could wear a sign saying, sorry if it takes a long time for me to understand I take seizure med. Not that it would help the problem but perhaps I wouldn't feel like such an idiot. I without a doubt feel I am mentally challenged all because of taking meds. Joan

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Comprehension

Submitted by dave_bruce on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 15:23
I understand how you feel. Last week, Nov 20th I had a seizure at work. My doctor took me off Keppra and put me on Dilantin. On Nov. 22nd I had four seizures and the doctor put me on Dilantin, Keppra, and Trileptal. I have been feeling pretty slow since then. I can't think quite right, not like I used too. The side effects are slowly coming off so I feel better today than Monday, but it is still very hard. I also now have huge anxiety issues. But it should get better. If it does not, definitly get a change in the medication. Dave

Sign Up for Emails

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