New to forum and epilepsy

[dazed&confused]

hi everyone.
I was very recently diagnosed with partial seizures. I was at work one night when my right arm and the right side of my face started to feel like it was asleep. Then the right side of my mouth started drawing up into a goofy half smile. my supervisor sent me to the er (on my own not knowing what was going on). They told me I should see a neurologists because they had never seen anything like it before. before i could get into the neurologist i had two episodes of passing out (scared me and my boyfriend) Neurologist put me on zonisamide to treat the partial seizures. Since Then I have had a lot of trouble with concentration and i feel tired all the time. Is this normal? Has anyone with partial seizures found it really hard to get through day to day activities

[bazpa]

Yes I was diagnosed 6 month ago, after trying to tell the doctors that I was having some kind of episodes. My main issue was that I was having them all night and day, that I was so tired all the time. So far I have tried 4 medicines. All have given me hives and rashes, so now I have to take Benedryl too. I am still really tired, but now I feel like I have ADHD! I cannot concentrate, and am so slow at getting things done. I am extremely frustrated! I am not sure how long I can take this. I own my own small business, and it really upsets me to feel so behind. Good luck-I hope it gets better too!

[huskymom]

Hi there and Hello! You may also be experiencing some side effects of your medication. You probably want to mention that to your doctor and maybe he/she will adjust the dose or put you onto something else. Good Luck!

[Nakamova]

Hi dazed&confused, welcome to CWE!

The Zonisamide may be making you feel worse -- it's known as the "Supermodel Drug" because it makes you skinny and dumb. It can work as an appetite suppressant, so make sure you are getting enough to eat -- if you aren't, that will certainly affect your concentration and make you tired. On top of that, Zonisamide can also have cognitive side effects. When I was on it, I had trouble with things like vocabulary -- for instance, I couldn't think of the word for post office. After a long mental struggle, I was able to come up with "mail house" instead.

You should keep notes on how you are feeling, and ask the neurologist about trying a different med that's less problematic. Are your seizures controlled on the Zonisamide? If so, you might be able to get away with reducing the dosage a tad to see if that helps with the side effects. Definitely check in with your doc to let him know how you are feeling.

Best,
Nakamova

[stephanieholly]

olá! im new to epilepsy too! xxxxxxxx

[dazed&confused]

Yes I was diagnosed 6 month ago, after trying to tell the doctors that I was having some kind of episodes. My main issue was that I was having them all night and day, that I was so tired all the time. So far I have tried 4 medicines. All have given me hives and rashes, so now I have to take Benedryl too. I am still really tired, but now I feel like I have ADHD! I cannot concentrate, and am so slow at getting things done. I am extremely frustrated! I am not sure how long I can take this. I own my own small business, and it really upsets me to feel so behind. Good luck-I hope it gets better too!

I was diagnosed about a week ago but now that i have an idea of what is going on and have done a little research i realize that it has been going on for a very long time. I have actually lost several jobs because of it and not realized it at the time. It is very frustrating. Now Im just trying to get a handle on everything

[dazed&confused]

Hi dazed&confused, welcome to CWE!

The Zonisamide may be making you feel worse -- it's known as the "Supermodel Drug" because it makes you skinny and dumb. It can work as an appetite suppressant, so make sure you are getting enough to eat -- if you aren't, that will certainly affect your concentration and make you tired. On top of that, Zonisamide can also have cognitive side effects. When I was on it, I had trouble with things like vocabulary -- for instance, I couldn't think of the word for post office. After a long mental struggle, I was able to come up with "mail house" instead.

You should keep notes on how you are feeling, and ask the neurologist about trying a different med that's less problematic. Are your seizures controlled on the Zonisamide? If so, you might be able to get away with reducing the dosage a tad to see if that helps with the side effects. Definitely check in with your doc to let him know how you are feeling.

Best,
Nakamova

I seem to be having seizures more has time goes on. My boyfriend says I'm having at least two or three a day. They happen more often if i do any physical activity. It takes me all day just to wash the dishes and sweep the floor. i seem to have them alot in the shower too. Its really frustrating. Thank you for the advice I will definitely take notes.

[charwva]

I have the same problem. Memory loss, headaches, confussion, pin and needles around the mouth and eye,floaters, have problems with the left eye staying open, stumble alot. I have the same type of seizures you do. Also stay tired and not my self and have problems with judcing distancte. Good luck