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.

Valproic Acid, Period side effects and pregnancy

Sun, 05/25/2014 - 01:21

Anyone else on Valproic Acid? I have a few questions about side effects etc. 

First let me start off by saying I have had Epilepsy for years. Since taking the medication I have so far been seizure free for about 7 years. I am a 28 year old female and have many side effects from the medications. Such as heart burn, diarrhea, depression on and off and a few other small ones. The main one though that I am writting this about is my on and off "monthly period". My boyfriend and I would like to have a kid eventually in the future and I am scared we may not be able to have a child. I rarely get my period and when I do it is maybe up to 3-4 times a year. When I speak to my doctor about it, all he says is things like "we can disguss it when the time comes" or "It is due to your medication". I cannot switch medications in fear I may have more seizures and I am allergic to Tegretol. 

My question to you, is does anyone have similar issues? Is there anyone who thought the same but ended up having good news in the end? I find myself crying far more then a 28 year old should over a future I am not even 100% about yet. I don't know much about getting pregnant etc other than the obvious, but I do know that I am scared for my future and I am already 28 years old. I want children :(

Comments

Welcome I have posted to this

Submitted by just_joe on Mon, 2014-05-26 - 10:01
Welcome I have posted to this 2 times already and they have disappeared. So I will try again. all he says is things like "we can disguss it when the time comes" or "It is due to your medication". I cannot switch medications in fear I may have more seizures and I am allergic to Tegretol.  Medications are being createds to control different kinds of seizures, Once approved the testing doesn't stop they are then tested to see othe rkinds of seizures they can control along with the other medications they can be coupled with to control other seizures. The medication you are taking was created back in the early 1980's. I know I tried using it back then. It was controlling many peoples seizures but it didn't work the way my neurologist and I wanted it to. There are many medications that have been created to treat your seizures and yes if you change nedications you might have a seizure. However it might control your seizures without you having a seizure. Right now I am taking a medicatiopn which has a loss of hair as a side effect. I would love to have my hair but I would rather lose my hair then have the seizures I was having.  Basically I am saying if you want the baby then it may be a give and take period in order to have the baby you may need your medication changes. It could also be the medication causing your problem at your time of month. I hope this helps and you have your baby Joe

Sign Up for Emails

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