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.

epilepsy, anxiety and severe depression

Sat, 09/18/2010 - 14:39

I have epilepsy, anxiety, and now severe depression. I have no insurance so can't see an Neurologist and am not on any anti-seizure meds but they put me on Clonazapam which helps stop the seizures from being grand mal and now they are only short petite mals. Problem is that it that the Clonazapam is not helping with the anxiety and i am incredibly stressed and depressed. Because of the stress my doc says I have IBS and wants me off the Clonazapam. I tried an anti-depressant, can't remember which one, and it made me suicidal. Does anyone have any suggestions on what else I can try or talk to my psychitrist about? Thank You

I am at the point now where I can't even finnish a shift at work cuz I'm so depressed and my daughter moved in with her dad. I really need an anit-depressant but the last one I took, can't remember the name, made me suicidal. Does any one have any suggestions? please help. Thank you

Comments

Re: epilepsy, anxiety and severe depression

Submitted by Agill on Sat, 2010-09-18 - 18:00
I too started suffering from anxiety and depression once I started seizure meds. I've been on Cipralex for the depression and anxiety for 10 months now. I feel much better and my husband has noticed a huge difference. For me, the side effects haven't been too bad. Just sleepy and my sex drive has gone down, but that could be due to some of the other meds I'm on. Good luck!

Re: epilepsy, anxiety and severe depression

Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Mon, 2010-09-20 - 11:40

Wel, you're certainly not alone.  One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.  And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.

And for those whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by meds, the likelihood of depression and anxiety are even greater.

In fact, many of the medications used to treat seizure disorders can trigger depression.  Dilantin, Phenobarbatol, Celonton and Tegretol are all notorious for this side effect.

I've had epilepsy for 40+ years and clinical depression for I don't know how long.  Good that you're seeing a psychiatrist, that's done me a world of good.

What has become my "magical med mix" is Lamictal, supplemented by Klonopin.

At its lowest level, Lamictal acts as an anti-depressant.  At its next level, it's an anti-depressant and anti-seizure med.  And at its highest level, it's for bipolar people.

Klonopin is also an anti-anxiety, anti-seizure med and together (with talk therapy) they have made both me and my seizures pretty much controlled.

I hope you find the same success!     Phylis Feiner Johnson    www.epilepsytalk.com

 

Wel, you're certainly not alone.  One study stated that 80% of the patients with epilepsy were also diagnosed as having a depressive disorder. Upwards of 60% of these individuals had a history of significant episodes of depression.  And 10-32% experience symptoms of anxiety.

And for those whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by meds, the likelihood of depression and anxiety are even greater.

In fact, many of the medications used to treat seizure disorders can trigger depression.  Dilantin, Phenobarbatol, Celonton and Tegretol are all notorious for this side effect.

I've had epilepsy for 40+ years and clinical depression for I don't know how long.  Good that you're seeing a psychiatrist, that's done me a world of good.

What has become my "magical med mix" is Lamictal, supplemented by Klonopin.

At its lowest level, Lamictal acts as an anti-depressant.  At its next level, it's an anti-depressant and anti-seizure med.  And at its highest level, it's for bipolar people.

Klonopin is also an anti-anxiety, anti-seizure med and together (with talk therapy) they have made both me and my seizures pretty much controlled.

I hope you find the same success!     Phylis Feiner Johnson    www.epilepsytalk.com

 

Sign Up for Emails

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