Finally saw Neuro again

[Loopy Lou]

This is the second time i have seen my Neurologist since i got diagnosed. Everything else has been done in a roundabout way through my doc and the specialist nurse.

So anyhoo he said the extreme clumsiness, memory issues, and sleepiness could all be caused by either A. The E itself, or B. The medication. Oh yeah, and then there's doing REALLY stupid stuff and not being aware of it.

He says that since i had these problems (although they were much lesser) from before i started the medication then it is most likely to be the epilepsy. Soooooo... Instead of adding another medication or changing it completely, he's upping the dose of Lamotrigene again.

Mind you i think i prefer that, since at least i don't have to get used to a whole new medication. I think he said he was contemplating adding one called "clorazipim" or something like that. Anyhoo, will get letter soon saying when my next appointment is, and he said he may get another EEG done then.

I should have brought up about my hair falling out, just to see what he would say. Oh well.

Least he said he's going to request that i get Lamactil instead of generic, woooop! :woot:

 

[darcness]

I hope the increase helps you out Lou. I know you've been going through some tough timesd and I wish the best for you.

My wife was having some similar issues and she was on Depakote. We decided to ask her neuro about a switch because the side effects of Depakote suck and we want to have kids in the future.

I think she had a seizure last night and she's on both Depakote and Keppra right now (transitioning). You'd think with 2 meds you'd be less seizure prone, but apparently not. Such is the case with E though, as I'm sure you know.

 

[Nakamova]

Hmm, I think the meds probably play a big role in the sleepiness, seeing as they are essentially sedatives of a sort. Definitely keep track of what the increase in meds does for you -- better/worse, and in what way -- so you can fill in your neurologist next time. And write down your questions for him, so he knows about the hair loss, and any other potential side effects. The hair loss happened with me and Lamictal, though after about 6 months it seemed to slow down and return to "normal" hair loss levels.

 

[Cint]

I hope the increase helps you out Lou. I know you've been going through some tough timesd and I wish the best for you.

My wife was having some similar issues and she was on Depakote. We decided to ask her neuro about a switch because the side effects of Depakote suck and we want to have kids in the future.

I think she had a seizure last night and she's on both Depakote and Keppra right now (transitioning). You'd think with 2 meds you'd be less seizure prone, but apparently not. Such is the case with E though, as I'm sure you know.

Beware of the Kepprage, a well known side effect of Keppra. Let the dr. know immediately if your wife starts feeling depressed or showing symptoms of rage.

I take Keppra 3000 mg, along with Topamax, had brain surgery and the VNS and still have CP seizures in my sleep on occasion. Some of us aren't any less seizure prone.

Cindy

 

[Meetz1064]

Hey there Lou!

I used to get really tired on Lamictal, too. Not so much any more, though. And you're right, it is far easier to up the meds. Clonazepam is the med that your neuro was talking about. I'm on that one, too. It is a member of the benzodiazapene family, and is the generic of Klonopin. Sometimes, for some people, benzos are quite addictive. That has not proved to be the case for me....but then again, I'm on a very low dose.

Take care!

Meetz
:rock:

 

[Loopy Lou]

Oh, i wouldn't like to get onto anything addictive... Mind you, i thought all the AED's were, to a certain extent. And yes, that does sound like the one he said!

I also meant to ask him about my EEG because i wanted to know if there was any physical signs to go with the reading. I'm guessing there was because my body stiffened up twice that i knew about, but i wanted to know if there was anything else. Perhaps something to ask my nurse next time i see her, cos it will probably be another 6 months or so til i see the neuro again.

It's just a shame that things can't be black and white, but i guess epilepsy never is. I hate not knowing for certain whats going on, but i suppose that, like everyone else, i'll work through it and find out what works eventually.