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.

Vimpat Insomnia & Insanity

Tue, 04/28/2020 - 21:00
Well holy cow, i was on Depakote for 25 years, could only last on Vimpat for 3 years. Desperate for relief. Felt more positive on Vimpat, but developed severe insomnia. 4 hours of sleep per night. Wouldn't feel tired. Was like this for 2.25 years. Complained to neurologist in 2018, he said probably my hormones, i was 1 month shy of 38. Last week, finally put my foot down and made him switch me to another medication. Trying Keppra now. On the other side of the spectrum, feel excessively sleepy, tired all day. As a side note, no caffeine since February of 2018. Tried doing hormones progesterone and estrogen, no effect. Also tried every natural and herbal remedy for insomnia. Was like the neurologist didn't want to believe it could be the medication. Kinda want to find another doc, someone that will list. This was bs. Do Keppra effects of sleepiness go away over time or get worse. I can't imagine the rest of my life like this. I actually want to go back to depakote. I'd rather deal with nausea every day. Help.

Comments

Hi,Thank you for posting.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2020-04-29 - 08:56
Hi,Thank you for posting. Treatment and how the body may react to certain medications varies for each individual. 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 or cause other health problems. Be open and honest about how you’re feeling, and how this is affecting your health and daily life. To learn more about the medications you take and things to look for, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effect .We understand if can be challenging to find a healthcare team that you’re comfortable working with, so it’s important that you're able to continue to advocate for yourself. If you feel that you cannot speak openly with your doctor’s or that you that you aren’t working towards the same goals, it may be time to get a second opinion. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions . You may want to try keeping a journal or a diary to help keep track of your side effects, medication changes and document how you’re feeling. This will be very helpful to review with your healthcare team, who can work with you to determine what individual treatment plan may be best for you. My Seizure Diary can be used to organize your health issues, manage medications, track seizures, other therapies or personal experiences and more, which can be shared with members of your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary . Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline  

Honey I don’t have any

Submitted by Me Love Bono on Mon, 2020-05-11 - 23:45
Honey I don’t have any answers for you but thought I’d take a second to tell you I am the same way about drowsy effects. I am definitely not advising that for you but I cut myself back to just one-1000 mgs  pills a day and I take it at bedtime. So far I’ve had no seizures thank goodness. Check with your neurologist and see if they will cut you back to one at the end of the day?I’m very sorry you have to go thru this. I definitely get it. Who the heck wants to feel tired all day long?! I hated it....Wouldn’t   you think they could create meds that do not have these horrible, intolerable side effects?I mean have you ever seen some of the commercials for anti-depressants that say… Quickly and at the end of the commercial … Could cause suicidal, homicidal, tendencies… Could cause lack of sexual desire… Which I can handle that LOL… But some of the side effects for medication  is down right horrible… I just don’t get it. Well I do hope you feel better honey I’m sorry you have to go through this

Honey I don’t have any

Submitted by Me Love Bono on Mon, 2020-05-11 - 23:50
Honey I don’t have any answers for you but thought I’d take a second to tell you I am the same way about drowsy effects. I am definitely not advising that for you but I cut myself back to just one-1000 mgs  pills a day and I take it at bedtime. So far I’ve had no seizures thank goodness. Check with your neurologist and see if they will cut you back to one at the end of the day?I’m very sorry you have to go thru this. I definitely get it. Who the heck wants to feel tired all day long?! I hated it....Wouldn’t   you think they could create meds that do not have these horrible, intolerable side effects?I mean have you ever seen some of the commercials for anti-depressants that say… Quickly and at the end of the commercial … Could cause suicidal, homicidal, tendencies… Could cause lack of sexual desire… Which I can handle that LOL… But some of the side effects for medication  is down right horrible… I just don’t get it. Well I do hope you feel better honey I’m sorry you have to go through this

Sign Up for Emails

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