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.
severe depression/anxiety following seizures.
Sat, 06/21/2014 - 03:42I have lived in denial for the best part of 30 years regard my epilepsy. I called my seizures blackouts unable to explain to friends and family just exactly I was experiencing - it was such a strange sensation. To cut a very long story short over the past 6 months my seizures have become more frequent. Yesterday I was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy by my neurologist. The symptoms of my seizures, I discovered were classic descriptions. Deja- vu, memory loss and a strange smell following the attack. What I find worse is the depression and anxiety felt for days afterward. Is this common after an attack due to a changes in chemicals/electrical impulses? I have been prescribed Tegretol (200mg). I begin taking 1/2 a tablet before progressing onto 2 tablets after 7 days. I have been told I must stop driving for 3 months which is a pain but must be adhered to. Any advice greatly appreciated.
Hi Gary I would be anxoius at
Submitted by just_joe on Sat, 2014-06-21 - 12:16
Hi Gary I would be anxoius at times when I was a teen. Once I started taking medications that went away. All a seizure is is al electrical impulse going off in the brain wrong causeing a chain reaction. Once that chain reaction is over the seizure is. But your body needs to adjust to the loss of energy and at times depression and anexicity show up. If a person is tired but want to do things they get depressed. A peron may want things to go fater but they can't but they are ancious and want to get things going. So yes at times people will get those feelings. As for mediactions the one you will be taking is good and I have used it in the past. It helped control my seizures well. I was seizure free for 3+ years while taking it and 2 other medications. I have been told I must stop driving for 3 months which is a pain but must be adhered to. I hope this helps and your neurologist gets your seizures under control Joe