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.
Meds and Memory
Thu, 07/13/2006 - 09:30Topic: Medication Issues
Hello,
My husband has taken Carbitrol for about 1 1/2 years now, and Topomax was added a few months ago. Our concerns are short-term memory issues, word recall, and just a feeling of sluggishness. This compounds his frustration with everything else he is dealing with....the fear of more seizures, depression, etc. He is definitely more emotional.
How much of this is the Topomax, or is this the combination of the Carbitrol/Topomax? Any thoughts are appreciated. We are new to this and learning as we go....
ccg
Comments
Re: Re: Meds and Memory
Submitted by ccg107 on Sun, 2006-07-16 - 11:15
Re: Meds/Memory
Thanks. It seems we are not alone in having these side effects! Our neuro recently adjusted it to 150 mg a day, but I'm still seeing some of the same. We also need to make a decision about whether it is worth continuing or if we can try something else.
Re: Re: Re: Meds and Memory
Submitted by eame on Mon, 2006-07-17 - 22:33
I currently take Depakote 3 x a day and am experiencing severe memory loss and a fatigue like nothing I have ever experienced. It normally hits me in the evening and is almost paralyzing. The sluggishness and the word slurring is becoming more of a problem as well. I find myself transposing words/letters and mixing words up. Just today, I was talking to my Father and stated something that made absolutely no sense and I had to repeat it 2 x just to make sense. And this happens often. I was let go from my job following my first 2 grand mal episodes in March of this year and although I am pursuing employment now, I am having serious second thoughts about whether I could even be effective in a position.
Re: Meds and Memory
Submitted by Kelly67 on Fri, 2006-07-14 - 21:37
My 14 year old dauhter has taken Lamictal for several years now for her absence seizures and Topamax was also added a few months ago because she began having grand mal seizures and Lamital alone wasn't controlling them. She is now on 200 mg of Topamax daily and also has many of the same symptoms you describe--word confusion, sluggishness, short-term memory loss and is often in a kind of fog. We did not notice this until Topamax was added and I really think it is the cause. Plus, she is still having breakthrough seizures. We go back to the neuro next month, so we have a decision to make about switching meds. KH