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.
Comprehension
Wed, 11/29/2006 - 10:51Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
Partial Complex Seizures is my diagnosis. The last med I am on is Lamictal. At first I thought this is the one but after taking it for almost 3 years I am more than discouraged. I have gone from being an respected intelligent person to hearing my name associated with "dumber than a box of rocks" and it's true. I have problems performing anything but menial tasks and accept it. I do have an appt with my neurologist this month and have decided to ask to be removed from the drug. Over one year ago I told him what was happening and I get the same reaction most of us do. It is a side effect to overcome. I asked for some type of IQ test and his answer was we can do one but you'll feel pretty dumb. I appreciated the honesty. In WI you can not have a drivers license if you are unmedicated. This is extremely depressing because we live in a small town on the outskirts so it takes my independence from me. My friends have become less and less which is understandable because I have beome like communicating with a child conversing. Has anyone taken any drug that doesn't leave you brain dumb. I think I've gotten to the point I'd rather deal with seizures than live like this. I used to teach others on computer and now I can't even understand when someone else tries to show me.
Comments
Re: Re: Comprehension
Submitted by Had It on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 12:29
Thank you your words of encouragement mad me cry. If I'm understanding correctly you feel your mind is as sharp as B4 being medicated? I realize med's work differently for each but may I ask what med you're on.
Re: Re: Re: Comprehension
Submitted by carrieb on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 12:43
Hi,
Can you tell me what you mean exactly when you say you feel the Lamictal has hurt your intelligence? I've been taking it close to 6 years now. I don't know that I've noticed a decrease in my intelligence, but maybe it's something I just haven't noticed since my thoughts are always consumed with my memory. People are always making fun of my memory. I hate it!! It's not my fault that my short-term isn't all that hot. It's really embarrassing and degrading when they point it out and make jokes. To make it worse, they all know why it suffers. That's not a result of the Lamictal, though. It cuz of the seizures.
What exactly have you noticed about your intelligence?
Carrie
Re: Comprehension
Submitted by wldhrt13 on Wed, 2006-11-29 - 11:31
whomever said of you, that you are "dumber than a box of rocks" is one mean *******. especially since it isn't true. try hard to ignore them. if you somehow just let it roll off, they are powerless. plus, you should take it from the source, that person already has one bad attribute, they are mean-spirited. you are leagues above that. i am also sorry to hear that your friends have gone by the wayside; but... they are just fair weather friends and it's probably for the best that they have moved on, in the end. yes, i have taken medications that left me feeling stupor-ized. i dealt with it for as long as i could and eventually requested a med switch. with time, my razor sharp mind eventually came back full speed. don't let anyone get you down. you are VERY intelligent. and the proof of that is in what you just wrote above; a very eloquent and poignant post. you may struggle with your verbal communication, but that isn't a reflection of your IQ. any medication that effects our central nervous system (CNS) function carries a risk of slowing it down. but each med has different side effect profile and some are more sedating and mind slowing than others. i would encourage you to find a possible alternative. he/she must remember when treating any person, quality of life is just as important. good luck and chin up, ~pamela