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Tegretol and Confusion
Wed, 04/04/2007 - 20:33i am 58 years old and have been taking Tegretol 400 mg a day for the last 16years or so, for Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and over the last 10 years or so i have suffered from a slight confusion, i get mixed with facts and forget things.I work with a mixed bunch and some are my age others are younger, i don't think the younger ones understand me and laugh and nudge each other when i get confused/mixed up but i can't help it and it isolates from the group, very upsetting. Has anybody else had this problem? if so how did you cope. I don't really want to tell them about my epilepsy!
Comments
Re: Re: Tegretol and Confusion
Submitted by alientwilight21 on Sun, 2007-04-15 - 01:25
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Re: Tegretol and Confusion
Submitted by bkydmech on Wed, 2007-04-04 - 21:25
Tegretol and Dilantin have made me feel confused and "out-of-it", and in addition, Tegretol on occasions has made me very irritable, so your not alone. As to your question on how I cope with it, I don't keep it a secret I have epilepsy. While I NEVER bring up my medication as an excuse for my behavior, most people understand. I've worked with allot of "young guns" over the years, (though I'm 35), and I've found that 99% don't laugh at the fact I have E. It has really helped me to be open because #1., if I have a seizure, people automatically know what is going on. And #2., people are more patient with me when I'm not feeling steller. I felt more isolated when I was not open about my E. I've also found that being open to the young and the old helps educate them about epilepsy. Its amazing just how many older folks don't know what it is or how to handle the situation. As far as the young guns, about 25% open up and admit they have some sort of medical problem too. It helps build trust with your co-workers. As far as the 1%er's, (those who laugh at your epilepsy), they are trying to cover something up of their own, and only make themselves look like an a$$. For those people, I say "to heck with them". You don't need their help anyways. BUT, that is just my approach to the people I work with. But you have to do what is most comfortable for you. If just one person walks away more educated about epilepsy, I feel I've done some good for myself and others to come. Peace! Rob