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Medication side effects
Sun, 10/20/2019 - 19:18Topic: Medication Issues
Hi guys, I'm 27 and have had 6 grand mal seizure since 2012 and suffer from constant focal seizure from about 16-17 years of age. At the moment I am taking 100mg lamictal 400mg tegretol twice daily. I'm constantly having major mood swings, don't really ever feel like myself, I am also always having very vivid dreams and not sleeping well at all. This is just some of the side effects I am suffering at the moment. I have tried a few different meds and they are all hard for me to live with. Does anyone have the same problems?
Hi RachelCJ, Thank you for
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-10-22 - 16:42
Hi RachelCJ, Thank you for posting. It’s important that you follow-up with your healthcare provider to express your concerns and if you continue to experience changes in behaviors, symptoms, side effects, or seizure types or frequency. The goal of treatment with medicines should be, No Seizures and No Side Effects. However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/medications-and-moodhttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects If you can’t talk openly with your team, or you aren’t working towards the same goals, it may be time to get a second opinion.For information regarding second opinions or assistance finding a specialist please visit : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistYou may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org epilepsy.com/helpline , where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional supportOr contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: epilepsy.com/localsupportPracticing good sleep habits is important for both physical and mental health. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Sleep%20factsheet.pdf Not enough, or poor quality of sleep is a common trigger for some individuals living with epilepsy. If these dreams continue, or you’re having issues with your sleep it’s important that you discuss this with your healthcare team. You can learn more about seizure safety while sleeping, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe/safety-while-sleepingAdditionally, you may want to consider keeping a seizure diary, or journal. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for not only tracking seizures, setting reminders,recording your medical history,medications, side effects, moods, behaviors & triggers, which can be shared with your healthcare team. You can track changes over time, keep records of your medications, and create a Seizure Response Plan or Action Plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms to share with your family, friends and healthcare team, which is a helpful tool for those who are close to you to understand what do if you have seizure. Additionally, you may want to review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor, to see if a seizure alert device is an option for you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfIt’s also important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, overall well-being and emotional health is just as important: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health The Wellness Institute: epilepsy.com/wellness ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips & resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family. For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tool