New theory about sleep apnea and AEDs

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lindsayschu2

lindsayschu2

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I know that people with epilepsy have a much higher probability of having sleep apnea than the general population, and there are a lot of theories why. They also say that people with sleep apnea should avoid sedatives because they tend to relax the muscles that keep the airway open, making apnea worse. I haven't read anywhere the theory that AEDs might contribute to sleep apnea because so many are sedating (aside of Benzos), but I'm beginning to think that is a big part of why. I started Keppra, which they usually make you take at bedtime because it's sedating, and my sleep has completely gone into the crapper despite being extremely sleepy (yes I think I have sleep apnea but havent had the study yet--I have it at the end of July). I'm just throwing this theory out there and seeing if it makes sense to anyone else. I sleep all night but wake up feeling like I haven't slept at all and my GP thinks I may have apnea--it has definitely gotten worse since I added and increased Keppra. Keppra also increases nasal congestion as a side effect which of course could add to that problem.
 
I also take Keppra, 3000 mgs a day, but not all taken at night. I split it throughout the day. There is no way I could take that much in one dose!! But, Keppra has made my nasal problems much worse. Not really congestion, more like a runny nose. And watery eyes. It seems as tho it makes my allergies far worse.
 
No, plus I take either Claritin or Allegra.
 
I'm about to start Allegra myself--In that 17 years I had seizure free (almost) I had only one breakthrough seizure event, and that was on day 3 of taking Claritin for the first time, so I've been afraid to try anything, but I'm with you, my nose is very unhappy since I started Keppra. But from a seizure perspective I'm doing great and have had no other side effects to complain about at all, practically side effect free. I don't personally even count drowsiness a side effect after having been on Topamax. Sorry to hear Claritin and Allegra havent even done it for you :-(
 
I never had problems with sleep apnea until I got my VNS in January. The apnea began a month or less after it was activated. I now turn it off at night so I can keep breathing, which seems like a good idea! On those rare occasions when I take a nap during the day I have had episodes where I wake up gasping and realize I had not been breathing. Not too fun.
 
Arnie any idea if yours is obstructive or central apnea? I havent had the study but had the assessment and they thought I could have either or both (central possibly because of my head injury). Do VNS's cause the obstructive kind?
 
I won't take medication for my issues--feeling stuffed up after my night meds. I also don't like the usual nasal spray they prescribe because it causes rebound issues, and the more you use it the more you need to. So I use beclate aquanaise nasal spray as a maintenance thing and another decongestant one at night that doesn't cause rebound problems. I way prefer it to having to feel what those decongestant pills make me feel.
 
Yeah but in my case being congested is meaning sleep apnea, which means going night after night without deep sleep and oxygen deprivation, both of which cause seizures and that isn't acceptable either. On the other hand last night out of desperation, I ate a ton of chili pepper since I read that can help, and got some up my nose--the pain! The burning! And then--sweet relief!! I haven't had such clear sinuses in months!! I actually slept all night, and today my sinuses are still not swollen. I'm drinking cayenne tea before bed in the future and sniffing the steam. They actually make nasal sprays with cayenne and horseradish in them for migraines, cluster headaches and congestion (FDA approved). Whatever it takes, brother.
 
Lindsay, I am totally with you. There is no way I would tolerate the congestion, so if my thing wasn't working well, I would definitely cave on meds. I can check out the brand/ingredient if you like.
 
Wasabi has a similar effect on my sinuses. Just have a little sushi before bedtime...
 
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