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Dilantin and sleep issues
Sat, 12/31/2005 - 05:07Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Youth
My son is on dilantin , keppra , diazapam, and clobazam and has very fragmented sleep . I was wondering if anyone out there experiences difficult sleep due to their medecines and if any are severe sleep issues - enough to cause exhaustion throughout the day which in turn leads to more seizure activity. Any info would be greatly appreciated as my son is 8 years old and delayed so I cannot find out from him how exhausted he is.
thank you,
kim tanner
Comments
Hi Kim, Both Keppra and
Submitted by txrhb1 on Sat, 2005-12-31 - 11:26
Hi Kim,
Both Keppra and Diazepam can cause tiredness and sleepiness. I take both, and have severe daytime tiredness, but an inability to get to sleep at night. When I do sleep, I sleep a full 10-12 hours, because of the Keppra, but it seems the next night, I am awake all night again. It seems to be a vicious circle - a good night's sleep followed by several nights with little/no sleep. Lack of good quality sleep can definitely trigger more seizures. I would recommend that you keep a diary of his sleep times for a week or so, and then go to his doctor with your concerns.
I wish you luck with your son,
Barbie
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"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo
Re: Dilantin and sleep issues
Submitted by angel_lts on Sat, 2005-12-31 - 08:23
Kim, Dilantin does not cause insomnia. But the mix of the other meds could have some effect to cause insomnia. It is also possible that he is having seizures in the night and he is very tired. And lack of sleep will cause seizures too. But the drugs can make you so tired during the day if he is taking a lot with high doses. take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/