Withdraw symptoms after going off meds? - Epilepsy Message Board

M. Dragoo · 11-16-2004, 03:57 PM

I was on Carbatrol for about 6.5yrs. I haven't had a seizure for over 5yrs so after a normal EEG doc let me go off meds. I was taking 500mgs a day. Went down to 300 then 200. I have been completely off now for about a week. Doing well, no seizures. I have been experiencing some numbness and tingling. I notice this on my hand, neck and sometimes face. Could this just be withdraws? Has anyone else out there experienced this? Thanks for any replies.

kayakmom · 11-17-2004, 11:17 AM

Is the numbness and tingling on just one side? Have you felt it before? Do you feel anything else different when you feel this?

Could be nothing....depending on the meds it can take weeks to get it all out of your system. WHen my son was withdrawn cold turkey in the hospital and sent home off meds he had symptoms from the withdrawal for 6 weeks at least....

His was hyperactivity. jerks that he never had before and were quite prominent, anxiety.....

mnt89 · 11-17-2004, 12:36 PM

A doctor once told me that taking anti seizure meds for a long period of time can cause peripheral neuopathy (<--sp?). I'm not exactly sure what it is, but it sounds similar to what you have described.
-Mike

kayakmom · 11-17-2004, 12:51 PM

True, it is numbness and tingling in your extremities, I think. It can also involve nerve pain there. I think that is usually with both sides and not just one, but am not positive.

Did you call the neuro about these sensations?

TanyaWatson · 11-18-2004, 02:12 AM

The synptoms you are describing are exactly what happened to me recently when I had my medication changed - came off Epilim & Lamictal really quickly due to side effects, and those sensations didn't stop until they got the dosage of the new meds right. Sounds very much like my experiences of drug withdrawal. I hope this passes quickly for you.

Tanya