Joined: 13 Dec 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Australia
I Want to Change My Meds What Should I Do? I Am Scared Also Posted: 10-22-04 00:16am
Hello.
I live in a rural area. I dont
have a neurologist here. Can my local gp
change my meds. Ive been reading great
things about keppra. And I want to go on
that. My seizures have never been
controlled. And I have had epilepsy only
one yr now. I am 22 yr old female. Has
anyone else demanded a med change from
their gp.? I am on 1000mg 2 x daily of
epilim (sodium valproate) and I am having
recently awful mood changes, of
aggression, swollen anckels, weight gain.
Severe paranoia and some depression and
anxiety also, I always feel scared. I
dont know if its the tle or what but I
know its not me. I am also on another med
to. Tegretol ( carbamazapine )and I take
200mg 3x daily of that. The side effects
I get when taking that are when I write or
concentrate my eyes role into my head and
shake side to side. And they hurt big
time when I try to focus.
My seizure frequency is 1 a week on
average. And I have had 4 status seizures
in 12 months. I dont know if thats
average what ppl have or what. My seizure
types are complex partials, simple
partials and tonic clonic seizures.
I cant work because they say I am a
liability and I am always tired.
Please help me.
|
danceman
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 22 Location: Australia
Can You Change Your Medication? Posted: 10-22-04 07:59am
Hi sami
im 43 and had epilepsy since I
was 6 mnths old, I have always had a
nuerologist and thier knowledge and help
is very benificial , a family doctor will
have some knowledge but not that of a
specialist. Sami, it would be very
worthwhile, even if it was only every
9mnths or so , to make an effort and
travel to a town where you can see a
nueroligist . I do believe that there
are certain medications that ladies have
to be careful using if considering
pregnancy, and others like dilantin can
cause excessive hairiness ,but that is a
small price to pay if it works . I
believe you would be best to get some
guidance from a specialist before changing
your medication.
I dont have total control with my
medication ,but I know I would be far
worse without it .
You say you cant work as you would be a
liability sami, did you know that
employers cannot discriminate against you
by law because of your epilepsy. I know
employment is tougher in counntry/rural
australia than the city ,but have you
considered small part time jobs or maybe
providing a service that is needed in your
area for example , a dog walking
service.
I currently take 6 x 400mg nuerontin , 6 x
200mg tegretol and 4 x100mg dilantin per
day I have employment and are grateful for
it .
Good luck and try not to let it get to
you.
|
kayakmom
Experienced User , Rather EHEALTHy
Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Conn
Thanks: 2
Thanked:0
Posted: 10-22-04 13:10pm
It is best to find a good neuro who will
work with you. As was mentioned they are
specialists and can do better than a
gp....An epilepsy specialist or
epileptologist is even better for
treatment!
Will your neuro not talk about changing
meds? Have you asked him if you can try
something else? Sometimes you just need
to go to a different one for a new look at
your case...
