Epilepsy and Steroids: While reading the site last... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Epilepsy and Steroids

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80
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While reading the site last night I came upon a post regarding the compatibility of anticonvulsants and steroids. I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was 15, I'm 81 now. I'd had grand mal and petit mal seizures.

When I was diagnosed with GCA in 2019, I'd been seizure free for over 40 years and was on a very low maintenance dose of anticonvulsants. After receiving two rounds of steroid IV infusions and being on high (125mg) daily dosage of tablets, it was only two months when I experienced 'auras' and familiar 'sinking' sensations. At the time I was living alone and told the doctor, "I cannot have a seizure, my family will not trust me to be alone."

The neurologist told me that steroids can 'water-down' the effectiveness of anticonvulsants. I was given 1000mg of Keppra IV and placed on a dose of 1000mg daily. That was increased to 2000mg per day which has been perfect. I've never had any issues. I'm still working on tapering my prednisone and presently take 10mg per day.

Like any illness, when I opened up years ago about having epilepsy, I found it to be far more common than I ever realized. I'm glad I read that piece last night and hope this helps anyone dealing with this added factor. My adjustment was smooth and uneventful. I don't mind taking my 'safety blanket' Keppra, at all~!!πŸ’•πŸ’•

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Grammy80
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PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Thank you!!!!!

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro

I wish I'd thought of it before πŸ™„πŸ™„πŸ™„~!πŸ’• By Jove, the dawn breaks!!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Grammy80

Lightbulb moments :)

Purplecrow profile image
Purplecrow

Thank you for this information...didn't know,

Blackcatlover profile image
Blackcatlover

You are always an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.

Luciejc profile image
Luciejc

So happy to hear you scaled another hurdle. You are amazing! 😍

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

That will be useful, to people I am sure Grammy thank you X

WaltzG profile image
WaltzG

Hi thanks for post. I have had epilepsy for 12 years and before the PMR started was in remission. I resisted oral steroids since thought there would be interaction. However had 2 steriod injections since lower doses. Since having them epilepsy back with memory issues etc. Definitely interaction....your story very interesting be well

MrsNails profile image
MrsNails

Hi Grammy - l’ve popped this into FAQ’s for future reference. Thanks

Angela x

Grammy80 profile image
Grammy80

It's Grammy here...some people are uncomfortable discussing epilepsy on an open forum, I understand. Please PM me, confidence assured, if I can help in any way.πŸ’•

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