Are test done for long term effect for drugs?

[RobinN]

I had no idea that Keppra can cause pregnancy too, Now I'm really scared...........

[Wally]

I don't wanna be like this

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/04/usa.gender

[RobinN]

I am just wondering about your comment that Keppra causes pregnancy.... I think something else actually causes this my friend...

Perhaps you mean that anti-epileptic drugs can change the effectiveness of contraceptives....?

[Nancy]

Lol lol lol -----------------

[Wally]

I am just wondering about your comment that Keppra causes pregnancy.... I think something else actually causes this my friend...

Perhaps you mean that anti-epileptic drugs can change the effectiveness of contraceptives....?

Yea cuz you get so absentminded that you forget to (or maybe even how to) use them................

[Nancy]

some of us ---- well, at least ONE of us ---- is so OLD that contraceptives are thought of as a contraction ..... will not = won't or can not = can't .... things like that. See?

[morgan381]

Yup, treat the symptoms and ignore the real cause!
To make matters even worse the drug companies list every possible side effect under the sun just to cover their butts and scare the crap out of us. I had no idea that Keppra can cause pregnancy too, I didn't see that one on the list. Now I'm really scared...........

Not exactly what I meant... I think that's the only side effect NOT listed on the drug company info

[Loudmouth]

Does anyone know any longer term implications of taking Gabapentin and/or a combo of Gabapentin/Topamax (which I'm on at the moment) or Gabapentin/Keppra (which is what I will probably end up taking) or Gabapentin/Topamax/Keppra (what the Doctors WANT me to take...). Any info would help, not very forthcoming from healthcare over in England, all I get told is " Gabapentin is too new here for us to know" as if I'm some sort of bloomin guinea pig as usual. What tests should I have etc, as I am not planned to have ANY other than normal Epilepsy ones i.e video EEG and contrast MRI. do I need blood tests etc and if so what should be looked at, and how often should I have them? never had any bloods done on anything even tegretol until I got jaundice from my liver starting to fail!! need to know what I should be asking for. Thank You.

[RobinN]

Gabapentin was Rebecca's second med and it caused the suicidal thoughts that is a common side effect with the anti-epileptic drug drugs. Personally I would never have allowed them to put her on two at one time. Absolutely positively NO WAY.

I do know that with most, the blood tests are what are requested.
Are you aware that an unhealthy liver can cause seizures?

[Wally]

Does anyone know any longer term implications of taking Gabapentin and/or a combo of Gabapentin/Topamax (which I'm on at the moment) or Gabapentin/Keppra (which is what I will probably end up taking) or Gabapentin/Topamax/Keppra (what the Doctors WANT me to take...). Any info would help, not very forthcoming from healthcare over in England, all I get told is " Gabapentin is too new here for us to know" as if I'm some sort of bloomin guinea pig as usual. What tests should I have etc, as I am not planned to have ANY other than normal Epilepsy ones i.e video EEG and contrast MRI. do I need blood tests etc and if so what should be looked at, and how often should I have them? never had any bloods done on anything even tegretol until I got jaundice from my liver starting to fail!! need to know what I should be asking for. Thank You.

Sounds like you don't have much confidence in your Dr's, or am I reading too much into your post?

[brain]

To answer your question, I will provide
you with 3 answers:

1) I've been on too many anti-epileptic drugs.
2) I'm a mess
3) See #1 and #2

[joey]

It's my real picture, it just looks funny cuz I just got a really bad haircut...........

Thats just the minor side effects from the meds. it should go away after time.

[BuckeyeFan]

Here is a good link to check out the combined impact of medications, both prescription and over the counter.

http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php

You just enter the meds you take and it provides you with a list of "interactions", not necessarily long term impacts.


Personally, I get both ends of the spectrum. I take dilantin which has been around forever and has well documented studies of the long term impacts. The impacts are not good, but the history allows good neuros to monitor you better.

On the other end, I also take keppra, which is just now getting an established history. It has been very effective for me and I have not had a tonic clonic since starting it 5 years ago (will be 5 years in Sept - planning to celebrate if I make it). One good thing about keppra is it doesn't harm the liver.

[Meetz1064]

Oh, Wallyyyy..............LOLOLOLOL

[Loudmouth]

LOL Wally, no, you are correct in thinking that I don't have much confidence in my doctor (GP) as he is unable to realise that I shouldn't have ever been put on Topamax due to my family history ( he put me on it), and I have been waiting nearly 9 months to see a neurologist as he cant even send a referral through properly. I FINALLY HAVE A neurologist APPOINTMENT!!!! 18th August, but at least he's an epilepsy specialist, even if it is a 55 mile journey each way by public transport. 5 year wait to see an epileptologist. Nice huh? in that time, I've had 2 neurology appointments in my local area. THAT'S why the lack of confidence...oh, and my LAST GP was struck off for malpractice. As was the last neurologist I saw (neither to do with me!).

[RobinN]

...and we all think that the doctor should be the final word on the subject... I am not so sure.
Time for major medical changes in this country. Seems we need a Tea Party type of revolt.

[Meetz1064]

that I agree with you, Robin. I do agree..........

[Wally]

LOL Wally, no, you are correct in thinking that I don't have much confidence in my doctor (GP) as he is unable to realise that I shouldn't have ever been put on Topamax due to my family history ( he put me on it), and I have been waiting nearly 9 months to see a neurologist as he cant even send a referral through properly. I FINALLY HAVE A neurologist APPOINTMENT!!!! 18th August, but at least he's an epilepsy specialist, even if it is a 55 mile journey each way by public transport. 5 year wait to see an epileptologist. Nice huh? in that time, I've had 2 neurology appointments in my local area. THAT'S why the lack of confidence...oh, and my LAST GP was struck off for malpractice. As was the last neurologist I saw (neither to do with me!).

ummm wow....... try to look on the bright side.........ummm uhhhhh......you've had plenty of time to do lots of research and ummm make your lists of questions and ummm pretty much diagnose yourself.......................jeez

[Loudmouth]

yeah, and stuff more anti-epileptic drug's down my throat than you can shake a brown sticky stick at! BTW I got a letter from my GP today asking me to come in for an appointment on wednesday 7th August??!! NO incompetence there. I think I will take them a calender as a present when they tell me they didn't find a brain on my MRI scan (LOL).