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When nothing works, have you just started over?

Tue, 07/24/2007 - 12:29
I am a 38 yr old female who has partial onset seizures that began 2 years ago. I have tried 4 drugs and various combinations. I am not a surgical candidate. I feel helpless because I never know when I will have a seizure and I have no idea how to stop them. So, I have 2 questions: 1. The next drug option is Topamax (I have been on Lamictal, Keppra, Trileptal, Carbatrol). I have heard that it has unappealing side effects like brain slowing, hence "Dopamax". I can't afford that in my work environment. 2.Has anyone ever just started over from square one? Thanks! Cathy

Comments

Re: When nothing works, have you just started over?

Submitted by elizleigh on Tue, 2007-07-24 - 14:02
Hi Cathy, I guess you could say I'm starting from square one, not starting over though, as I was just diagnosed a few weeks ago although I've had epilepsy my whole life. I was put on Topamax and the side effects were pure HELL at first. Aside from the other effects, my mind was mush for the first couple of weeks but I must say that this week I'm feeling MUCH MUCH better. Just give it a chance and you may see some of the side effects, especially the brain slowing and word finding issues dwindle. These drugs affect everyone differently. Good luck to you. I hope this one does the trick. :-) Elizabeth

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