My seizures have been managed quite successfully w/ Depakene and Phenobarbital for @21 years. Recently, my seizures changed 'types' to partial complex(I think), and I was changed to Topamax in addition to the phenobarbital I take. Can anyone out there shed some light on how to deal w/ the emotional turmoil? I used to drive, and be quite active, now am on medical leave from my job as a nurse. My neurologist has been great, plans a repeat EEG and MRI in a few weeks, but in the meantime...I had a seizure 2 nights ago, and my ego is deflated. Know I shouldn't let it get me down, but...

Rey,I have only been having seizures for since June 2000, but I can relate to how you feel. When I first started having seizures, it came out of nowhere really, and all the MRIs, EEGs, catscans came out normal. Apparantly, there is no cause to my seizures. After trying Dilanton, Trileptal, Lamictal, and Depakote (and being allergic to all of the above) I have been on Keppra and Topamax since mid-September. I have only had one seizure (Thanksgiving Day) since. I have been seizure free for 12 weeks on Feb. 15th (also my 21st b-day). I am looking forward to getting my drivers license and my life back. =+)
I hope things go well for you. Topamax is a good medicine, once you get used to it. I am on 50mg twice a day, and to insure control of my seizures, am getting ready to increase it to 100mg twice a day, starting tonight. I hope it helps you, and you are able to return to your job soon. I admire you for being a nurse. My mom is a nurse with Hospice, and I know it's a great job. I hope Topomax works for you. I have been controlled since the end of November. However, I have only had 9 seizures total since June, they last anywhere from 12-21 hours of unresponsiveness. Not quite the normal case, but I'm just glad to be controlled now. Good luck, and let me know how you're doing!


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"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."

~Beth