Hi there all

I have been epileptic since the age of 9, I am now 36 years YOUNG (smile). I actually came off the medication, Dilantin when I was 17. It was due to my extremely high tolerance of alcohol, when I started drinking, it seemed to bring it back on when I was about 20 or so. I was put back on Dilantin and then eventually Tegretol was added to that. Luckily for me, I guess, I usually have a lot of symptoms that may last for about 30 mins to 2hrs before it actually comes on and I go unconscious for a while.
Anyway, it has not affected me for a very long time, I lived life normal, was in cadets, driving, and doing many activities with caution, no smoking and no drinking. Also trying to get a patterned rest.
Here is where it gets puzzling for me.

I moved to England 2 years ago, they have no Dilantin here so they put me on Epatulin together with the tegretol. There are times when I may drift off in front of the television or computer like everyone else I know, but when I come out of my doze off, I feel very very sick. The first thing I feel to do is go to the toilet, and there I feel as though a fit wants to come one. It is a very weird feeling. When I sought of suddenly come out of that doze off I feel lost, almost as though I have no clue where I am or what happened.

This has never happened to me before, I normally doze off and I would have no problems how many times I jumped out of my sleep. I don't know if to attribute this to my change in medication, change of climate, change of diet?????? I have a fast release Tegretol tablet that I take if this happens and it avoids the attack coming on. I really cannot afford to have attacks happening now where I need to be driving (though I know when an attack is going to come on, but doctors have to follow the law) and I am about to get back into my studies.

So is there anyone who experienced anything similar to this can give advice on this. It is driving me crazy know that after all these years I have not had a problem and all of a sudden I cannot even drift off.

Kind regards to all.