Strong side effects on all the tablets I've tried

[Monkey_1495]

Hi,

So I've tried various medications to remedy my epilepsy. What has been the problem more often than not is side effects getting in the way. For example I'm on a tablet now, Carbamazepine which is great for my seizures up to now, but the side effects include constipation, extreme tiredness and depression. On Topiramate I felt suicidal and depressed and spaced out. I'm sure if I went on another medication, it would likely happen again. I am also seeing a Neurologist who specialises in epilepsy and their reaction was one of confusion. I don't really know where to go from here. I've spoken about side effects before on this page but they seem to be never ending. Once I reach the maintenance dose I turn into jelly. The neurologist has spoken about how this may be me rather than the tablets, therefore antidepressants/ SSRIs so I'm not sure what to think.

Anyway

Thanks

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi

Thank you for your message.

Finding the right dose of the right medicine can be challenging and the side-effects can be hard to deal with.

Some people do see their side-effects lessen overtime, as their body gets used to the medicine. Unfortunately, other people find it very difficult to tolerate epilepsy medicines and their bodies don’t adjust. When this is the case, whether or not to make changes to your epilepsy treatment can be a really hard decision to have to make.

We have some information on our website about getting the right treatment and care that you may find helpful: epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatm.... As well as information on epilepsy medicines and other epilepsy treatments: epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatment.

I hope you hear from others on this platform, as sharing information and experiences can be a good idea. Can I just check you also know about our other services?

We have our virtual support groups epilepsy.org.uk/virtual-groups. We have our forum4e online community forum.epilepsy.org.uk/, and we are on facebook facebook.com/epilepsyaction and twitter twitter.com/epilepsyaction.

Finally, please feel free to contact our helpline team. You can either email [e-mail] or phone the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 8.00pm, Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Jess

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team