Hello Fellow Epilepsy Sufferers

[LindsAsaurus]

Hello All,

My name is Lindsey and I was diagnosed with general epilepsy a little over a year ago. I was being treated for depression and had been on Wellbutrin and Seroquel for a few months with no major problems. My depression was improving and things were starting to look up...then my Dad started randomly finding me passed out on the floor, bleeding from the mouth. My Mom has bipolar disorder and has had several seizures before, so my Dad has seen them. After my epileptic haze would pass, he would tell me that it looked like I had a seizure...which I refused to believe. I was convinced I had just not gone to bed soon enough after taking the Seroquel and was falling asleep. I had 6 or 7 of these unidentified episodes before figuring out I was having seizures.

One day I was getting food at Subway when all of the sudden I found myself sitting at a table talking to paramedics, who were telling me I had a grand mal seizure. I went to the neurologist and was diagnosed with epilepsy and was put on Lamictal XR. I had been seizure free until tonight...I have been so busy with school that I forgot to fill my prescription and was Lamictal "less" for a week, so I am hoping that's what happened.

Anyway, I am excited to be apart of this forum and happy to be able to talk with people who understand what I am going through. :banana:

 

[epileric]

Welcome Lindsey

It's always good to have one more person join the site.

I've always thought I was lucky to have been born with my seizures so that I never had to get used to having them, it's just what's normal. It seems to me that you're lucky enough that your mom had them as well so that they're not totally foreign to you.

Please make yourself at home & check out all the "rooms" we have.

 

[bdhshakes]

I haven't been around here for a while, got lost but I've returned.

Anyway, its a great community we have here. Everyone here knows exactly what you might be going through. Welcome! :rock:

 

[nicholas:)]

welcome Lindsey

 

[huskymom]

Hello Lindsey!!

We are all here for you

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Lindsey, welcome to CWE!

It's always risky to suddenly stop taking an AED -- that can definitely cause a seizure. If you run out, call your neurologist or your regular doctor immediately just to get a small amount to tide you over. And ask your neurologist about having a one-month "back-up" prescription of the Lamictal just in case you run out, or are traveling when you need to get a refill.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[Cint]

Welcome Lindsey,

Sorry to hear of your seizures and bipolar disorder. But as Nak said, it is always a risk to suddenly stop taking any anti-seizure meds. That can make the seizure worse. Also, those some of the meds used to treat depression can make seizures worse.

From http://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html

You should not take Wellbutrin if you have:

~epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
~an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia;
~if you are using a second form of bupropion; or
~if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives (such as Valium).

Wellbutrin may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

Some of the drugs used to treat bipolar disorder are actually anti-psychotics (like Seroquel, Zyprexa, Abilify, Risperdol, just to name a few) and can cause diabetes for some people, so if diabetes runs in your family, please beware.

 

[Eve]

Welcome Lindsay. Welcome to the Club. If you ever have a question don't hesitate to ask.:shake:
I know this place has been a great place for me. I could never talk about these epileptic problems with my regular friends they would either freak out or take 3 steps back.:e:

 

[LindsAsaurus]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I already feel better and think this site will be extremely beneficial!

 

[nana1]

Welcome Lindsay. Please try to make sure you have enough meds on hand for at least 2 months.

 

[littlemrsmitch]

Hi, Lindsay. Welcome.
My grand mals were sudden, just like yours, and came in 9th grade -- hello, awkward! I know the hardest lesson for me to learn was to plan ahead with my meds. I've had so many "forgets" that led to seizures, that I triple up on backups. Like, if I'm travelling, I'll separate my pills -- some in my purse, some in suitcase, leave some at home. Sounds like an overreaction, but with a combo of disorganization and forgetfulness, it's saved me more than once. I write my pending refill on a calendar, get an email from epilepsy.com, and get a call from my pharmacist! BTW, having a pharmacist who is familiar with you will save you again and again. I work in a pharmacy now, and there are ways they can help you get through until your doctor gets his scripts in and/or you get ahold of your doctor. So stick with one, if you can, and don't be afraid to ask for stuff. Pharmacies have programs in place for people like us, who CANNOT be without medicine, like reminders, auto-refills, notes about 'no more refills'. So find a great one, and stick with him/her.
And give yourself a bit of grace: I've had E for 16 years now, and have only gotten my poop in a group within the last few years...but that doesn't apply to my schedule or my laundry! We're a special breed, that's for sure!
-b-