I currently take Keppra XR 3000mg, Tegretol XR 400mg and Lamictal 200mg per day. The Keppra and Tegretol being XR makes a big different in seizure control for me.
I was on regular Keppra but the Tegretol XR was great- I would never have too much trouble with it, but I could always feel when the Keppra would ware off. The Tegretol was at a steady level in my blood keeping it stable all day and night. But the Keppra would go in and then run out throughout the day. So I asked for XR of Keppra and have not had troubles. We added Lamictal which isn't XR (Even though I asked) and I still have seizures but not as frequently and most of the times they are shorter and not as intense. I have complex partial seizures and now drop attacks from messing up my meds- which is a no-no.
Now I am getting more migraines which I believe is to the meds. I will find this out more after getting off of Tegretol XR. It stopped working and so we added the Lamictal so we could drop the Tegretol soon.
I hope things go well. For some reason, I have drop attacks every time I get to lowering my dose of Tegretol XR.
Anything XR is extended release and it also takes longer to get out of your system. I found this out the hard way- while just reducing my Tegretol, not stopping it totally. I had a bad seizure on the 3rd day of lowering it. I think I was only on 200mg instead of the prescribed 600mg a day. I went to the E.R. and my neuro asked "Do you know why you had a bad seizure on the 3rd day?" I told her no. She said "It takes exactly 3 days for Tegretol XR to come out of your system."
I had no idea what so ever- I just was so care-free about it think that the Keppra XR would be find to help me while reducing it.
Not a good idea. I've adjusted it myself a few times without too many troubles. After a few more times of reducing Tegretol XR by only 200mg and thats it, I noticed increase in drop attacks or Atonic seizures. So I am not doing that anymore.
Just yesterday, I had a seizure and fell over on my poor guide dog who was working on my left side as always. I fell so quick that no one could hold onto me or do anything what so ever.
Umbro was to my left guiding me, and because he was pulling me, I think its why I fell to my left instead of my right like in the past. I fell on him, not hurting him thank God, and he rolled over on to his left side into a bush and side of the curb. I fell on my knee and was hurting but didn't care. I was huging my little boy, my guide dog, and crying. I was so hurt, feeling wise, about hurting him. I checked him over and realized he was okay- but I was not. I cried for a little while, on the side walk, in front of people driving by, with my twin Sis and friend. I didn't care if anyone saw me, I just could not believe it happened.
I happen to be a very very very stubborn Aries LOL and so my lessons have to be taught harshly to me for me to realize things.
Umbro is fine, I am fine now but scared quite a bit. I will be talking with my neuro. I admitted to my reducing my own meds on my own- and they didn't care much for that- and they have the right to be.
But I don't know how I'm going to get off of Tegretol XR when I'm already on Lamictal and Keppra XR and still have drop attacks everytime I reduce it..
Kinda scary!
Take care,
Crystal and her guide Umbro
