Anxiety/depression help

[Jann75]

Ok,so I am not exactly sure where my problem lies. I'm on Zonegran, but used to take Topamax. Since taking the Zonegran I have had increased anxiety and have had a few panic attacks. Also even though I've been on Zonegran for awhile, I'm just starting to feel depression. To top it off I have a family history of migraines so since I'm no longer on Topamax, I'm having bad migraines.

I lump all this together because it is somewhat stress related, but there is the medical connection too and I was out of commission over the weekend because of a migraine. My doctor gave me a prescription for Imitrex. I took that three times but that and other migraine meds did not work. I have a feeling that he is going to try and put me on some type of antiaxiety medication or antidepressant.

My ,long winded, question is.....does anyone have experience with any of these medications and their side effects? Also, any other suggestions for anxiety? I think I have tried every trick in the book for migraines.

Any help is greatly appreciated, feeling pretty low

 

[Hand of Blood]

I suffer from depression, I think it all comes down to AED and their side effects, I for one know I hate feeling tired and sore head and dizzy everyday. So I think that's where mine comes from, I'm scared of changing tablets too incase it gets worse.

Do you get any other side effects?

 

[Cint]

Many of the AED's can cause anxiety/depression for some and Zonegran is one of them so do let your dr. know how it is effecting you. Maybe the dr. will either lower the dosage or try a different med.

http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/b_zonegran_side

Many people who take Zonegran don't report any unwanted side effects. Those who experience undesirable effects most often complain of:

sleepiness or fatigue
dizziness
loss of appetite (it's not unusual to lose several pounds)
upset stomach
headache
agitation or irritability

 

[Azusa]

I heard that 50% or so have people who have seizures can have depression, I was never on that and have been on lemictal for years but it just started so I think it is for a diffrent reason. I currently take Prozac.

 

[Jann75]

Cint,
I've had all of these


Many people who take Zonegran don't report any unwanted side effects. Those who experience undesirable effects most often complain of:

sleepiness or fatigue
dizziness
loss of appetite (it's not unusual to lose several pounds)
upset stomach
headache
agitation or irritability


Plus more . I finally had my Dr. Apt yesterday and he is taking me off the Z!!!
So excited, I hope that this helps.

 

[Jann75]

HOB,
I understand your dilemma, side effects or seizures? If I were not seizing it may be one thing, but I'm still having seizures and my side effects are way more frequent so for me it is worth it to try something new. Plus, my anxiety is so bad that I am unsure if the anxiety and panic attacks could not be contributing to my seizures :/
Fingers crossed that getting off the Zonegran will help

 

[jyearta]

I take 5 fish oils every four hours, this helps with the depression but stay close to the bathroom. Once your body gets use to it, it"s no longer a problem.

Have you have your Vit. D levels checked? When you are low on this Vit. it can cause depression. I also have this compounded.

I too have Prozac compounded and this helps.

Don't know if this is a help to you, but wanted to share in case it was.

Hope you find what works for you.

 

[Maisy]

Hmm, well after my 5 weeks in hospital, ive been put on sertraline for depression, and lorazapam for anxiety (do not take this if possible very addictive) , for my anxiety attacks, just have to sit up straight and breathe it out now, and i know sounds silly, but get lots fresh air everyday 20 minutes is recommended -hugs for you-

 

[TinyDancer]

Anxiety can trigger seizures in some people. I will almost always have a seizure if I get too stressed out or anxious about something. So, if this is a problem for you, bring it up with your doctor, as it can effect your seizure control. Also, there are many treatments for anxiety that are not drugs. I saw a therapist that showed me ways to deal with anxiety (behavioral techniques, etc.). We also talked lots and got to the root of my anxiety which helped me cope. This doesn't work for everyone, but may be worth a try?

Also, I found that my depression and seizures are very closely related (my seizures make my depression worse, and if my depression is worse I tend to have more seizures!). It is a vicious cycle! The point is, it is important to treat both.

Hope this helps!