Hi: I have been suffering Epilepsy off and on for 20 years. I have partial complex seizures. I actually stopped having them for 15 years mediction free but then started having them again 3 years ago. I take 400 Mgs of topamax and just had a breakthrough seizure last night--my first one.
Caveduck,
I'm sorry that your seizures came back when you've been free of them for so long. Welcome to our group! There are lots of options for you to explore for getting those seizures under control again. Topamax can cause metabolic acidosis, which in turn, may trigger seizures. So perhaps the drug is the problem in this case?
I have been seizure free without drugs since July of 1998. There are a lot of possible causes for partials [the main type seizure I had]. You may want to check out what might be causing them before you come to believe that you are locked into needing to take drugs again.
There has also been a lot of progress in the area of non-drug treatments for seizures, which is how I became seizure free. You may want to explore these options too, many of which can be used along with medications.
Andrews\Reiter Epilepsy Research Program in Santa Rosa, CA takes a very comprehensive approach to managing seizures, minimizing drug use and maximizing showing you ways to manage seizures on your own. You can get a lot of information from their web site:
http://www.andrewsreiter.com
Are you on any special diet? There are several diets now that you may want to explore for managing seizures too. These include the GARD, gluten free, lactose free, ketogenic, and Atkins diets. Bladder problems may also be linked to nocturnal seizures, so you may want to be evaluated by a urologist.
I'm glad you found this group and hope you will find a way to regain control of the seizures quickly.
Below are some links you may find useful about the side effects of Keppra and Topamax:
"The side effects that were reported more frequently with Keppra than with placebo during the clinical trials were:
sleepiness
asthenia (loss of strength and energy)
dizziness
infection
These occurred mostly during the first 4 weeks of treatment. The infections were mainly colds (upper respiratory infections) and infection has not been a problem during recent experience with large numbers of patients.
Some other side effects mentioned even less often have included:
agitation
anxiety
other mood changes
coordination difficulties
headache "
http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/p_keppra_commonside
TOPAMAX* (topiramate) use is associated with Metabolic AcidosisUse of TOPAMAX is associated with metabolic acidosis in both adults and children with doses as low as 50 mg/day. Symptoms include hyperventilation, fatigue ...
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/advisories-avis/prof/2004/topamax_3_hpc-cps_e.html
Topamax Warnings & Precautions - Topiramate - USA TodayTopamax Warnings & Precautions - Topiramate - USA Today. ... This metabolic acidosis is caused by renal bicarbonate loss due to the inhibitory effect of ...
www.healthscout.com/rxdetail/68/69/3/main.html
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/index.php?p=alternative-treatments