Advice

[davis85]

I am 46 years old and had my second seizure on Monday. My first seizure was a grand mal seizure on the floor of a Las Vegas casino 4 years ago. I was alone in my kitchen when I had my seizure on Monday but evidence suggests that it was also a grand mal seizure. The one common factor between these two incidents is that they both happened just hours before the start of my period.

My neurologist wants me to consider taking Lamictal or Keppra-XR but I'm reluctant to take anti-epileptic drug's. I've just spent the last year battling non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and I'm reluctant to introduce more chemicals to my body. I also don't have prescription drug coverage and since I'm already taking several $100's worth of meds related to my cancer recovery, the cost of anti-epileptic drug's has me thinking twice.....

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Lamictal or Keppra-XR. I'm also curious if hormone management can be used to control seizures.

[Crazy Monkey]

Hi Davis

Welcome to CWE

This is a very informative site, providing a lot of info about epilepsy. We are a very friendly group, CWE has become my second home.

I have taken Lamictal for about 9 years and have not had any severe side effects, it doesn't fully control my seizures, but it most definitely helps. The only effect I notice from Lamictal is I get tired mid afternoon. Though this isn't the case for everyone, I know that some people on this site have had a reaction to it.

I have also tried Keppra, grrrrrrr for me the side effects were terrible, so I only took this for a very brief time.

[swimmy]

Hi Davis, and welcome!

anti-epileptic drug's work on each person differently, therefore each person has different side effects. It is difficult to generalize how a medication will work for you until you try it.
Keppra did not work for me at all, and gave me extreme Keppra rage, but it is a wonder drug for many. I am currently on Lamictal and Phenobarbital. I'm about 80% satisfied with this combination.
I have been on every anti-epileptic drug currently in use in the US except for Topamax.

As for having seizures before your period, that is known as Catamenial Epilepsy, and there are many references to it on this site.
My seizures increased before my cycle, so I am on a birth control pill--Seasonique--which has helped me immensely. I wasn't thrilled with taking another pill, but am glad I did.

You will find a ton of information and support here.
Have a wonderful day!

[dfwtexas]

Since you were in the middle of a casino, I would if you are photosensitive...those lights would be causing me to seize too.
I took Keppra for several months and doc switched me to Keppra XR. I prefer the Keppra XR but had to stop taking it as it was causing a massive hair loss. The Keppra did not have that effect on me, so I am back on it. I do have more moodiness or bitchiness on the Keppra...but I think it's better than taking a chance on some of the other seizure meds. I have not had a complex partial since August 25th. ( I was just diagnosed in April) So I think it is doing a great job controlling my seizures.
The cost of the Keppra and Keppra XR without insurance is high. There is not a generic on the XR, there is generic on Keppra...but I would be careful of generic. I tried the generic and got terrible migraines, there is a link on her about others having problems with the generics.

[alivenwell]

Lamictal has been the 'magic bullet' for me. It was like flipping a seizure switch to an off position.

In the past, I've also had that tendency to have a seizure at 'that time of the month' as well. If breast cancer is in your history, it might not be a good idea to take the pill.

Let us all know if you win at that casino. If so, at least one of us can afford meds.

[skillefer]

hi davis! Welcome to CWE. Both meds have a pretty good rep. Keppra can effect the mood though. It can cause anger which has gotten the nickname Kepprage. Vit. B6 tends to help diminish this...and I don't know if Kepprage happens with the XR version or not. Also, it's hard for anyone to say about the meds, because each of us reacts differently to meds. For some people the meds work great..for others, it's a nightmare. If you can, I'd look into the hormones first. Have your hormone levels checked, and then if needed get a hormone cream to rub on your thighs. Robinn knows a bit about that here. She's used it to help her daughter. Anyway, I'd try the hormones first. Why take a med if you can control it with a cream?

[RobinN]

Yup.. I would try the natural progesterone first. My daughter has tried both, and the med was not a fun one for her.
My daughter has tonic clonic seizures too, though she has had many more than you. She actually had more during the time she was on anti seizure meds. Also, if your liver has been impacted due to the cancer meds, that can also cause seizures. Not sure of the timing of events, but you need to consider that the other medical issue might be a cause of this symptom.

Remember that seizures are only a symptom of a medical problem that is causing them. Epilepsy is only a label. Finding the cause is really important to healing the body.
There are foods that are actually high in estrogen. Estrogen excites the brain, which is possibly why you are having them near your TOM. Your hormones are out of balance. I read just this past week that a pathway in your liver if it is not working properly can actually cause excessive estrogen. It is a fine dance we play here.

I continue to turn over stones searching for answers for my daughter. Her blood sugar balance seems to be playing a role in her seizures. I personally would be careful of more medication. The combinations can be a powder keg waiting to blow up.
However.... that is just my opinion

[Bernard]

Hi davis85, welcome to the forum.

I am 46 years old and had my second seizure on Monday. My first seizure was a grand mal seizure on the floor of a Las Vegas casino 4 years ago. ... The one common factor between these two incidents is that they both happened just hours before the start of my period.

4 years between seizures is a long time to draw conclusions about common factors IMO. You had a lot of periods in between them, so I would suspect there is something else (significant) at play here.

Are you aware of all the different types of seizures? Is it possible that you are or have been experiencing simple partial seizures, absence seizures or complex partial seizures? You wouldn't necessarily be aware of the latter two.

My neurologist wants me to consider taking Lamictal or Keppra-XR but I'm reluctant to take anti-epileptic drug's.

If you are experiencing more seizure activity that just the 2 tonic clonics (grand mals), you should try to get it under control ASAP. The quickest way to do that is to use an anti-epileptic drug.

There are some non-drug approaches to controlling seizure activity that you can investigate. See the chart linked in my signature for a list (click the links for details on each option). Also, I'd recommend you read the Proactive Prescription for Epilepsy.

I'm also curious if hormone management can be used to control seizures.

Natural progesterone cream can be used for catamenial epilepsy.