Couple of questions about epilepsy.

[B_S_A]

I acquired epilepsy after my stroke last year, my first seizure was in August of the same year, and now I've had seven over all.

I'm now on a dose of 2x175mg Lamotragine, and 2x1000mg Keppra per day since my last seizure on the 28th May. Keppra was only added after my last one, it went up by 250mg every 2 weeks until I recently reached the 1000mg mark.

So now I'm completely wiped out, and with exams coming up, I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about these drugs? I'm so tired since the last time my medication went up, did anyone who takes these feel the same? Does it wear off? I thought it may be because my medication has gone up a lot so much over a short period of time, any thoughts?

Any information would be much appreciated.

[Danslatete]

Some of these drugs do make you tired, is ther someone you could ask about extra time for exams? Sometimes they can schedule your exams so you do them at a time you find best to concentrate. Good luck

[B_S_A in reply to Danslatete]

I get extra time...I just don't think it will be enough.

I can do the year again if needs be.

[Hidden]

Hi BSA,

Don't forget you are probably having withdrawl symptoms from coming off your Lamotragine as well as coping with getting used to Keppra. It is a double whammy really. Be kind to yourself and try and get as much rest as you can.

I think it may take the pressure off you if you sit your exams another time. I see it as investment in you. Take the time to get you right, which may mean slowing down for a while. When you are right, everything else including your exams will follow.

Is it just the tiredness that is bothering you with Keppra?

Thinking of you.

Betty

[B_S_A in reply to Hidden]

That's some sound advice, thanks, I never thought about coming off the Lamotragine having side effects.

Yeah, I'm not doing them any more, after that, I slept soooo well.

Tiredness is a problem, and other weird feelings, I do feel a bit better today though.

How are you for side effects?

[Hidden]

Hope its gets better soon BSA. I'm going to be going through similar soon as Keppra has only partially worked for me.

My side effects have been bad, but mellowed with time. I never know whether it is the side effects of Keppra or the BI though.

I know some of them are from Keppra though, which I do find get worse when I am stressed and better when I could rationalize they were coming from Keppra.

Some of the side effects completely freaked me out and did for quite a while (e.g. seeing spiders that are not there), but does improve through time and also when my stressed levels are low and I sleep better. Taking a good vitamin to top up B levels also helped a lot.

Please talk about the side effects and if they get bad go speak to your doc, but take your patient information leaflet so you can show it is Keppra causing them.

Hopefully though with time and rest your body will adjust and in the not too distance future you start to feel better.

Look after your self.

Betty

[coetzeegisela]

With advice of your doctor/neurologist, ask to be gradually weaned off the meds.