Suffered from Seizures for 2 Years Due to Topamax

[thed0ct0r]

Hello all.

I've almost recovered now after nearly TWO YEARS of suffering and will have to take seizure medication for the rest of my life. Although this is a well-documented side-effect of Topamax no doctor would admit this was the case until just a month ago.

See http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=4233

- theD0ct0r

[thed0ct0r]

I'm at 150mg of Lamictal a day and it's working very well. I owe my life to that doctor. After almost 2 years of seizures my life should be back to normal by February or March, 2008.

Thanks again to Pamster, Barngoddess, Blindblessings and Laura. Your support has meant so much! :o

More updates as things improve!
- thed0ct0r

[thed0ct0r]

Well...

I'm currently up to 325mg of Lamictal/day. It's had amazing results but there's still need improvement. Unfortunately I seem to be getting more and more sensitive to the dose increases so I'm dropping back to 300mg/day and combine it with Neurontin. According to the specialist who diagnosed the condition, a combination of the two anticonvulsants should finish the job. He had suggested Lyrica but there seem to be more side effects and, considering the sensitivity I seem to have to certain medications, my family physician and I feel more comfortable using Neurontin.

28 months and counting...not so bad! LOL

Doc

[thed0ct0r]

Since I'd been on a steady dose of 300mg of Lamictal a day and 3mg of Clonazepam my seizures were well under control. I felt absolutely amazing and I'd have one perhaps only once a month. But I just had to try making it even better so I tried Neurontin. BIG mistake.

After 2 weeks I developed severe anxiety, memory loss, violent ticks and loss of concentration. I've been taken off the drug (slowly) but the side effects persist. Just like the Topamax I seem to have an ultra-sensitivity to Neurontin that couldn't be foreseen. I just went back to my old job after two years...now I'm going to lose it and it's my fault. I should have been content as I was. Now I've ruined my life. The side effects should have passed but I still suffer from anxiety and memory loss. Even stranger - my seizures are even less frequent and less severe. The drug isn't supposed to work like that. Only 300mg a day for 2 weeks and this what I get. I just recovered from one serious illness only to get another. It isn't fair.

[Pamster]

Oh no! I can't believe you're having such problems again! Oh DOc, I am so sorry to hear this, but glad you can post here for support. Thanks for the update although it's really sad news, I hope that you get some relief sometime soon. I'll be thinking about you and sending good vibes your way as well as keeping you in my prayers. Don't beat yourself up too bad over the job situation, it isn't your fault this keeps happening. :(