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.
Trileptal and trouble sleeping?
Thu, 08/09/2007 - 01:53Topic: Parents & Caregivers
I don't know if I am far off with this idea, but my daugther Kaitlyn (2) started taking Trileptal on Saturday and she has been having the hardest times falling asleep lately. Tonight it took 2 1/2 hrs to get her to go to sleep. It was full of screaming kicking and crying. And when it was all over with I felt like I was going to cry. It was horrible. It was like she was terrified to go to sleep or something. She threw fits all nap time today so she only got about 30 minutes of a nap, so I figured that she would be exhausted and ready for bed... nah... nope... not happening!! She threw a fit until I finally had to climb into her bed (a little tiny toddler bed with a million blankets and stuffed animals, it was great) and then she finally calmed down after about 20 minutes of crying and whining still. Is it possible at all for it to be from the medication? Or the seizures? Or it's just a phase of a 2 year old? Or all of the above? Personal experiences? I am by no means thinking that any of you are able to provide me with medical advice... just personal experiences with the medication. I am of course going to be calling the doctor tomorrow but I just wanted to get some other peoples opinions. Thanks!!
Comments
Re: Trileptal and trouble sleeping?
Submitted by karissasmommy on Thu, 2007-08-09 - 22:50
Hi Emily,
I remember when Karissa first was on Trileptal in May, I called the neuro because she seemed "hyper"--more than typical or usual for her. They told me it couldn't have anything to do with the meds (but you know how much I trust my non-sympathetic neuro office!). It didn't last long (maybe a few weeks?)--and I don't know if it had anything to do with Trileptal, but of course I was trying to tie any change in her to the drug.
Also, on a side note, it could also be her age. It takes toddlers a while to learn to fall asleep in toddler beds. And even if she used to fall asleep okay, they sometimes go through stages of resisting. Bedtime for us certainly continues to be an exhausting event--more so with my young ones, but my 7 year old twins still need some "assisting!"
But, anyway, I don't know for sure that it ISN'T tied to the medication! Let us know what your doc says...I like your doctor! :)
Margie
Re: Re: Trileptal and trouble sleeping?
Submitted by kaitlynsmom on Fri, 2007-08-10 - 00:12
Margie,
Thank you!! Atleast I know that I am not crazy when I think that she gotten hyper. We have cut out all sugar and she is still a wild child. She is running, bouncing off of walls, throwing things everywhere. We have had to take away almost every single toy that she has because she is abusing it (turning chairs upside down and using them as slides while sliding onto her brother, climbing onto the entertainment center, just basic accidents waiting to happen), I swear I'm a big meanie in her eyes now. She has been doing great with sleeping, so I hope this is just a phase. She cut out nap time so I need her to go to bed before 1 AM for my sanity. I'm already losing it. When she doesn't sleep, no one sleeps. So my youngest is awake all day too... it's very tiring. I will let you know what the doctor says, I didn't call him today because I thought for sure it was just a fluke and since she had no nap, she would be ready for bed.... hahahaha... not happening. I had to cram myself into her little bed again tonight and then tip toe out of there once she fell asleep. I think it's the medicine. Hopefully the doctor will agree and tell me it will calm down in time. I like the medicine more than the others so far though because we don't have the rage and anger... this I can deal with if she will atleast sleep some.
Well take care!! I will keep you updated!
Thanks.
Emily
Re: Re: Trileptal and trouble sleeping?
Submitted by kaitlynsmom on Fri, 2007-08-10 - 00:07
Littlebug, I am hoping that its her age and that it is something that she grows out of. I don't know how much more I can handle. She just gave up nap time this week as well, so I am running on low. Kaitlyn has been hyper and like she is running a mile a minute all of the time. Just constantly running, running and running. She is never walking or taking her time. She is just wound tight lately. I'm exhausted! I wish she could just sleep in my bed but my son is still nursing at night and sleeping in the bed.... she used to sleep in the bed with me before he came and then she decided that she wanted to be in her own bed which was great but now.... she just doesn't want to go to sleep on her own. Thanks for the experience. I am hoping that it all calms down in a few weeks. She increases the dose tomorrow, so maybe that will help... hopefully! Take care and thanks again. Emily