Ready to give up

[alma]

I have been on four different meds and can't tolerate any of them! They all affect my speech and balance to differing degrees. I can handle the balance but I can't handle not being able to carry on a conversation. ... alma

 

[epileric]

Welcome Alma

You're definitely not alone in dealing with your side-effects.

Here's a good list of what some of the members here have gone through.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f27/aeds-give-you-worst-side-effects-977/

 

[Endless]

Alma,

It is so hard - the meds are really tough.

I'm on my 5th AED (lamictal), and I think I have finally found one where I can put up with the side effects. Hooray!!!! Actually make that 6th, including the Diamox. I really don't tolerate them very well, but on balance, the meds are much better than the seizures so I gratefully take my meds. At least that's how I feel this week, lol...

Please take heart. If you've tried 4 drugs, the 5th might be your magic drug. It was for me. Everyone reacts differently to each drug, you just have to try them.

<<<hugs to you>>>

Here's my journey on my meds. I felt a lot like you do now. I was overwhelmed by the side effects and had given up. I was afraid to put one more pill in my mouth. But eventually things have gotten better.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f34/i-realized-im-afraid-meds-9319/

 

[Bernard]

Hi alma, welcome to the forum. :hello:

Just because you tried four meds without success doesn't mean that a good solution doesn't exist for you. Have a look at these threads:

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/proactive-prescription-epilepsy-1254/

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/drug-resistant-epilepsy-1161/

 

[Meetz1064]

Alma, I

DO understand how you're feeling. I've lost track of how many meds I've been on .... but it's well over 10 now, probably closer to 15.

I also have a serious balance issue. It now has to be documented so that if I were ever pulled over, and made to do a field sobriety test, there can be proof of why I'd fail it, even if I were sober.

My balance issues are called nystagmus and Meniere's. The nystagmus was brought on by the long-term use of AEDs, so I've been told, most likely by Dilantin. You might want to bring this up with your neuro, and see if you can go for some balance training....there is such a thing, really.

Having E is truly trial and error when it comes to the drugs. You can also try alternative measures, including diets to help balance things out. You may want to seriously consider it--I've done it, and had success with it in combination with the meds.

There really IS hope. Don't give up. We'll be here for you.

Meetz
:rock:

 

[Westy]

Alma,
I know it seems hopeless now but you will get through it honey!!
I have had seizures for 20yrs and none of the meds i've trialled so far have helped, but there is always hope that the next one will be the one that suits your body chemistry.

Just remember you are not alone in this struggle and will always have people to talk to and support you through this difficult stage on this forum.

Blessings
Westy

 

[Kah]

Hey Alma,
Good t have ya. I'm new here too. Dont give up, 4 meds isnt alot t try in my opinion. I'm tried alot, so many I lost count, really. I was on Depakote for 20yrs, then it stopped working and I had t find another med. just dont give up. I'm in a similar situation.