nightmares

[gambrel]

i was diagnosed 3 years ago after having a seizure while sitting at my computer. i have been on dilantin and it didnt slow the seizures so i stopped taking it. i dont seem to have any more seizures off the meds as i did on meds. i do have some pretty scary nightmares almost every night and they seem to last all night long. its always a family member in danger or i am lost and cant seem to leave where i am no matter how much i try. i will be in a vaguely familiar place but it is different enough that i cant find the way out. last night was really bad.if i think about them or talk about them they get stuck in my head like a memory of a real event.epilepsy isnt the only health problem i have. i also have heart disease and marfans syndrome with all its related problems.i dont know why i started having this problem so late in life but of all my health issues and all the pain the nightmares are the worst. i even attempted suicide a couple years ago to escape the nightmares and the pain of my disease. lucky for me my family found me and got me some treatment so i only wound up with some liver damage from the overdose. i know this sounds extreme and it is but if you have those nightmares enough even that begins to seem like a valid choice. i normally have grand mal seizures and dont recall what happened but once a few months ago i had one where i stayed awake but couldnt do anything for a few minutes. i felt the seizure coming on and saw an aura then i fell to the floor and started jerking with my right arm extended toward the ceiling.i couldnt speak at first but i could hear my 2 year old grand daughter screaming poppy poppy and crying because she knew i was hurt somehow.as soon as i could speak i told her i was okay but i hope i never have to hear her scream my name and cry again as long as i live. is there an way to lessen these nightmares? i have heard that alcohol makes them worse.i hardly ever drink.but the other night i had a few with my son as we worked on his truck.a few turned into a few to many but i didnt have a nightmare or didnt remember it.i hate alcohol but was thinking if it had that effect that maybe there was a med that could help

[Nakamova]

Hi gambrel, welcome to CWE!

I moved your post to the Foyer, so other folks could read it and welcome you.

I'm sorry about the nightmares and the other health problems you are dealing with. Have you seen a sleep specialist and/or had a sleep study done? Depending on what they indicate there are different treatments out there -- neurofeedback, hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques, as well as sleep medications, and some anti-depressants. There is also a drug called Prazosin -- it's a generic drug used for high blood pressure and prostate problems that has recently been found to improve sleep and lessen trauma nightmares in veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Check with your doc about these options -- I hope you can get some relief soon.

Best,
Nakamova

[Birdbomb]

Welcome gambrel


Can't gave any more advice. Nakamova said it all! I'm sure other members will have helpful suggestions coming your way soon.

Take care

[huskymom]

Hello Grambrel

I have nothing new to add, but wanted you to know that there are people here in your corner