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Drug Allergies the Battle
Sat, 12/17/2005 - 15:48Topic: Medication Issues
What have experiences have you had with seizure meds reactions.
I have been taking Lamictal 2 years, Zonegram 4 years, Keppra 6 months A few onths ago I started itching and getting hives and basically going crazy feeling like it would never stop. Went to the neurologists and they send me to the Skin doctor and they put me on meds and skin cream meanwhile they discover a small skin cancer that they decided to remove.
Back to the skin doctor 2 weeks later still taking seizure meds, itching pretty much all night have seizures due to no sleep. They finally decide it might be the seizure meds so back to the neurologists office they decide for me to take only one seizure med (Zonegran) and come back in three weeks. O.K. so for that three weeks still itching no sleep, seizures. I Returned to the neurologists a the new plan lets just stop all meds and start you on Depakote.
My opinion why didn't we do that in the first place !
Basically, We learn from experience always ask what are different plans for medication changes and reactions. Because the side effects from the reactions and drug changes can cause you sometimes more seizures than just starting all over.
What are you experiences
Re: Drug Allergies the Battle
Submitted by txrhb1 on Sat, 2005-12-17 - 16:13
Hi Richard, Almost 2 years ago, I had a similar reaction to Tegretol-XR. I had been on it for several months, and woke up one morning with a terrible rash, covering my entire body that itched like crazy. My face, especially around my lips, was swollen. I immediately called my GP's office, and went out there. They gave me a shot of epinephrine, as my throat now had white spots and was swelling. My GP called my neuro, and they changed me to Topamax. I also went to the allergist, who was very concerned at the seriousness of the reaction. They came close to hospitalizing me. Eventually, with a series of meds, the rash and swelling went away. Lo and behold, 2 weeks later, it was back again. I went thru the same routine, and this time, changed to Zonegran. It took several months for my system to "calm" down from the 2 dangerous reactions. I would have minor skin reactions to plants, soaps, etc. Since that time, I have to be extremely careful when taking a new med. I usually call the allergist and let him know of a new med, and sometimes, go into his office to take the first dose. Allergic reactions can be very dangerous. I now have a prescription for an Epi-Pen, which is a shot of epinephrine that I carry with me at all times. Luckily, I have never had to use it. Always make sure and tell doctors about these previous reactions. I hope you have no further reactions like that - they are scarey !! Best wishes, Barbie *************************************** "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo