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.
Looking for antidepressant that does not interact
Mon, 04/16/2007 - 14:02I am looking for an antidepressant that does not interact with my anticonvulsants. I have tried Wellbutrin and Cymbalta, but both had a side effects that caused extreme anxiety. I felt like I was going to have a seizure all day long. My doc gave up at strike two. I would like to have another swing at it. I take Tegretol, Dilantin, and Topamax for my epilepsy. Does anyone have a suggestion as to what I should try next? I kind of remember my neurologist mentioning Lexapro. Does anyone have experience with that?
Comments
Re: Re: Looking for antidepressant that does not interact
Submitted by 5am on Thu, 2007-04-19 - 13:41
I went to my psychiatrist yesterday and he started me on Clonazepam. He said it was for a short time (1 month ?). It is used as an anti-anxiety med but is primarily a anti-convulsant. It fast acting (good), but it is a benzodiazepine (bad). I imagine coming off of it will be no fun. The big positive is that maybe now I will have the courage to get out of the house and go to a club.
As far the Dilantin, that is the one med that I seems to help me the most. I am afraid to mess with my meds given the driving situation. I live in a small town with few resources.
I too had surgery, back in 1993. It was a partial success. I still need my meds, but I can drive. I wish you luck with your outcome.
Re: Re: Re: Looking for antidepressant that does not interact
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2007-04-19 - 15:34
For guidance on antidepressants in people with epilepsy, why not see a neuropsychiatrist, who is psychiatrist who specializes in treating epilepsy and other neurological conditions? They are most familiar with using the various antidepressants. There are many that work quite well. Here's a link to information on mood and seizures that may help as you browse around.
Epi_help
Resource Specialist
Epi_help
Resource Specialist
Re: Looking for antidepressant that does not interact
Submitted by Kelly G. on Mon, 2007-04-16 - 15:49
Hi. First, I recommend getting off of Dilantin. I was on that for almost 5 years and it ruined my gums. They are discolored and I hate it. Even taking care of my teeth cannot change what that drug did to my gumline. I also have liver problems, like no more hot food or spices due to the massive heartburn. I hate that....being Italian, I miss the tomatoes and spicy foods. All from Dilantin. I just had Brain Surgery this October, but am still on Topomax and Trileptal for another 6 months. I think you should take a daily vitamin and get off the antidepressants. Make some happy habits for yourself, go walking or join an exercise group, do some artwork, write, go dancing at the clubs with some hot women :) or just enjoy the things in life that you can. If you have to stay at home more often than not, do some artwork on the computer or exercise at home. The antidepressant thing never did it for me. I did it for me. By getting healthy and being happy. I had seizures for 10 years, but I always kept my chin up. And most of my family thought the epilepsy thing was fake. Those a-hole relatives and I don't keep in touch any longer, to make a long story short, but the few loving relatives that believed me and helped me through surgery are great. And we shall keep in touch forever and ever. Good luck to you. -Kelly