Panic Attacks on Vimpat/Lacosamide

[johndoe49]

Hi I switched from Phenytoin to Lamotrogine in Nov 22 after 30 years because my specialist said the long term side affects were quite bad. I was ok on the Lamotrogine but could never shake off the brain fog. I have recently switched to Vimpat and the brain fog has gone but 2 days after my last dose of Lamotrogine was taken i started having panic attacks and have done every day since. Has anyone else experienced this whilst being on Vimpat? I take 150mg in morn and the same at night.

[milktrayman2]

Hi Johndoe, I've been on Phenytoin for a similar length of time. It's been suggested I change, strangely enough, by people who have never had a seizure. Sometimes, it's worth taking a step back and weighing things up. What's worse, the way you feel now, or how you might feel taking Phenytoin long-term..?

Unfortunately, it would appear, that whichever medication is taken for Epilepsy. There is a side effect, as with most medication. I'm sticking with Phenytoin.

[Nines]

Hi, I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2010 after 8 months of tests and have tried all the medication available up until 2016 and I’ve been on clobazam and Epilim chrono ever since. I’ve even had a vagus nerve stimulator which has since been removed due to making me worse just like the medication did in the past. I started having fits, panic attacks and severe suicidal depression once I started taking the medication. Before the medication I just had absent seizures and now I have them all and a vitamin D lifetime disorder due to the medication I have had and when I had my recent neurologist appointment all he went on about was trying new medication which I will not do under any circumstances so he said he couldn’t understand why especially when I only have a 4% chance of ever recovering! Which I found very rude as I hadn’t asked if he thought I would recover I’m just not prepared to put myself through the drama of turning my life upside down again for a 4% chance of recovery. Has your medication controlled your epilepsy? I hope so x

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

I'm glad you've heard from others on this platform, as sharing information and experiences can be a good idea.

I'f you haven't already, it would be a good idea to talk to your epilepsy specialist, epilepsy nurse (if you have one) or your GP about the panic attacks. They may be able to review your treatment to see if they can get the panic attacks under control. 

Can I just check you also know about our other services?

We have our Talk and Support groups (epilepsy.org.uk/support-for-you/talk-and-support-virtual-groups) and befriending service (epilepsy.org.uk/support-for-you/epilepsy-befriending).

We also have a membership offer which is designed to help people stay up to date with all the latest epilepsy news, views and research: epilepsy.org.uk/involved/join

Finally, if you think it may be helpful to speak to one of our advisers in more detail you can contact us by live chat or the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm: epilepsy.org.uk/support-for-you/the-epilepsy-action-helpline

Regards

Jess

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team