Are they side effects or is it me overreacting?

[Monkey_1495]

Hi everyone, I've had epilepsy for 9 years and during that I've taken various doses of Topiramate. What I have found is that no matter what I do, I cannot seem to shake the feeling of anxiety and depression. Now I haven't been to any CBT but I don't feel that is necessary. As a result I have decided to change my medication to Lamotrigine due to its lower side effect profile. But even their side effects seem to come on really strong. I'm wondering whether other people have side effects so strong so suddenly when starting a new tablet even on 25mg?

[Wintersbite]

Hi I was on both of these as a combo I ended up begging to be put back on topimax only after a doctor took me off my medication for 6 months because I couldn't keep anything down and once I moved out of the area this is where I made my plea for topimax only and I found that the suicidal thoughts and tendancies got alot less almost impossible to get and all other side effects have really gone down I'm so much better for losing lamotrigine but that's just me situation could be different for you.

Hope this helps you out and good luck

[Pickles_92]

Hi, I don't think you're overreacting at all! I'm in a really similar situation and I've found that no matter the treatment plan (Keppra, Lamotrigine, Valproate, Topiramate, Oxcarbazepine... you name it!) there has always been that underlying feeling of depression and anxiety.

My understanding is that people with epilepsy are more prone to this anyway because of our brain chemistry, so when you add in that most AED's have this kind of side effect, we're really up against it.

I was skeptical about CBT, but I gave it a go and it gave me some helpful tools. I'd recommend trying it as it might just be able to help you cope with some of the more intrusive thoughts and get those out of the way.

I hope this helps you feel a bit less alone with everything!

[PennyRed in reply to Pickles_92]

Hello

My husband is on Keppra and Lamictal (Lamotrogine). He has days he describes as"flat" and will start crying. We weren't sure whether it was due to the stroke or the epilepsy or the med side effects. He was referred to Vita Minds and did a CBT webinar for long time health conditions. This has helped a lot and he can accept that this is going to happen now and then.

Hope this has been useful to you.

Best wishes.