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Medication, Yes or No? Please help
Wed, 03/15/2006 - 14:02I was just diagnosed with epilepsy yesterday by my neurologists after a series of many tests. I guess they finally caught activity during a sleep test that confirms siezure activity. I have only had about four or five episodes in my life starting at age 19, I am now 29. Although I have had two in the past 6 months. My neurologist wants me to start taking Dilantin immediately. I feel like the seizures do not really effect my life becuase they happen so infrequently when I am awake (I might be having them while I sleep but not sure). They have always happened while I am home in the middle of the night or when I first wake up in the morning. I have a very strong aura of nausea so I have taught myself to sit down on the bed so I don't get hurt. I loose consciousness and wake up extremely exhausted like I have run a marathon. No one has actually ever witnessed one of these. I am very nervous about taking medication because of all of the side effects. I don't want to sound silly but I am really questioning whether it really is worth it going on medication?
Comments
Re: Medication, Yes or No? Please help
Submitted by Dan Marple on Wed, 2006-03-15 - 18:01
When I was young, I accidently went without my depakene for a week while attending summer camp.I didn't have any seizures,but I was totally different and more alert to my father when I came home. For me, and my family, this raised the question as to whether my medication was doing more harm than good. Your situation may be something for you to talk to your family / friends and neurologist about, while still making your own decisions in the end.I believe that a patient does have the right to refuse medical treatment.
Re: Medication, Yes or No? Please help
Submitted by Susumarie on Thu, 2006-03-16 - 07:02
Two episodes in 6 months really can be considered "alot". Some people have daily episodes, so they would disagree, but when it comes to having epilepsy, the goal to controling, is no episodes, period. You have been lucky to catch yourself and been able to sit down on the bed; what about next time? The severity of your episodes are what you have to worry about. If they were only the type that you lose touch with reality, but still kept consciousness, I would say you could think more of staying away from medication. But, I think you need to consider the severity.
Sweetsue
Re: Medication, Yes or No? Please help
Submitted by Susumarie on Wed, 2006-03-15 - 14:53
Are you sure you have only had 2 episodes in the past 6 months? I have a strong aura of nausea before some of my seizures, but others have had no warning. Some have had complete memory loss, though I do think I know of all my episodes. But if you have had 2 in the past 6 months, maybe this is the beginning of an increase of activity? What was the spacing before? And I am curious about the choice of Dilantin, as I was under the impression that is an old drug, but it is the one I was started on also. It is hard on the liver. Sweetsue