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.

Can Epilepsy drug cause behavioural problems!

Sun, 01/18/2015 - 15:49

My daughter first had a seizure on xmas day 2012 when she was 20 months then went on to have 27 more over next 3 days.  At first thought was febrile convulsion as she had temp caused by a chest infection, was sent home on phenobarbital and phenytion as well as being under a consultant. We notice her behavour change, seem more tempermental but as she was coming up to 2 put down to the terrible 2's. They decided to weane off the medication and when they did we notice her behavour improve. She was fine until October 2013 when she had another seizure, back in hospital and ended up having over 40 in next few days as wanted see what happen before giving her the emergency drug to stop the seizures.  She had another chest infection and was discharged under Epilim this time.  As she had a seizure while she had a EEG so she was finally diagnosed with Epilepsy in March 2014.  We notice that her behavour started to get worse again, when she started having tantrams was just no getting through to her.  Discussed this her consultant and said could lower her dosage to 3ml, and she improved and been seizure for free for just over a year until last month when she had one but when took her to doctors found she had bad ear infection (so her trigger seem to be when she unwell) and when he weight her he thought dosage was too low for her weight so got in touch with my consultant and was agreed to increased to 4ml.  But this past week she been in hospital 3 times as she kept having seizures, had to have the emergency drug each time.  At first ear were slightly pink then mid week were more red so was diagnosed with ear infection.  When first admitted into hospital was weight again and said should be at 5ml.  But because she was admitted for a 3rd time her consultant decided to rise it again to 6ml so now worried behavour going get really worse again but of course don't want her having seizures.  Has anyone else found changes in their child behaviour while on epilepsy drugs?

Comments

My daughter takes topamax for

Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 2015-01-18 - 22:32
My daughter takes topamax for behavior issues but she doesn't have epilepsy. I take it and i do have epilepsy. The only reason why my daughter is on it is to help solve her behavioral issues. She is also on clonadine. It's .01mg in the morning, and at night. When I have a seizer I get naturally angry because I'm frustrated with the disease+age=outbursts. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have anymore questions.   

I don't think it's fair of

Submitted by megan@maccetera.com on Thu, 2015-01-29 - 16:24
I don't think it's fair of you to take out your resentment toward your mother on these parents. You have no clue what kind of parents they are. They could be amazing with their tempers and be extremely supportive. You don't know. So stop ganging up on them. They simply asked if epilepsy medication can cause behavior changes, which it can.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.