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Loganw

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Hello my name is Logan and I am new to the forum. My wife and I have been together for 4 years and been married since March of 2012. She has a 4 year old daughter that I have raised as my own from birth. She was first diagnosed with seizures when she was 17. Thanksgiving of this year she was diagnosed with E. She's currently on topamax and keppra. Along with her seizures come horrible migraines. And she is on tordol for breakthrough headaches.
I guess my main reason for joining is to get some support that comes with the behavioral issues and the physical and mental affects on both her and myself. Her driver's license was recently taken away. And being that she still has to work in order to keep our family afloat it creates more stress on myself and her mother to take her to and from. I know that behavior moodswings come with this, and I do my best to try to deal with it. But sometimes it really hard always be the bad guy, or always be wrong. The neuro psychologist suggested an antidepressant. Any suggestions on if it would be a good thing or bad thing thanks guys and I look forward to your feedback.
 
Hi Loganw, welcome to CWE!

It's great that you are looking for ways to reduce the stress that can come with epilepsy. Whether for the patient or for the partner or as a patient, epilepsy can cause significant "collateral damage."

While it's possible that an anti-depressant may help your wife, it can be tricky to add another medication to the mix. There are a few things she might try before going that route. She could try taking a B6 supplement -- it has helped some folks with the Keppra-related mood swings. Being proactive with her overall health -- diet, sleep, etc. -- can also help. (More tips here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/proactive-prescription-epilepsy-1254/)

De-stressing activities (exercise, yoga, meditation) can make a big difference -- either or both of you might benefit. And counseling/therapy -- together or separately -- might also provide you with the tools to tackle the side effects of the epilepsy and medication (including the side effects on your marriage.).

Has your wife acknowledged the side effects and recognized the toll they may be taking on your relationship? Is she on board for finding ways to make things better? That would be the optimum scenario...

Best,
Nakamova
 
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