Anxiety - how bad is it and are you on anything for it? - Epilepsy Message Board

TopamaxKillsMe · 11-27-2007, 10:39 AM

Hi,
I've had anxiety for years now. I had it for years, it got worse when I went on Topamax and it continues to interfere with my life while I'm on Keppra. My doctor in Los Angeles had me on Lorazapam and Valium (at different times) to control the panic attacks. My heart beats severely, I sweat and I can't breathe. I was told by a psychiatrist, neurologist and my MD in Los Angeles that this was all due to my epilepsy.

After I moved to Florida, the anxiety continued but my neurologist will not prescribe me the same dosage of anti-anxiety meds I was on while I lived in LA (and that I've been on for years). This is causing even more anxiety and insomnia....especially since I am now on Keppra which causes severe anxiety. I am also caring for my mother who has cancer...that adds to my anxiety. I dont' know where to get help as my neuro doesn't seem to fathom the severity of my panic attacks plus he's very anti- certain pharmaceuticals (I was on Vicodin in LA for severe menstrual cramps and he refused to renew my script....instead put me on an anti-inflammatory which has a side effect of seizures and causes me to bleed more). I could deal with the menstrual cramps as they're a few days a month but the Lorazapam is another issue entirely. Today I had to pull over because I had a severe panic attack while driving.

I'm wondering to what degree others suffer these same attacks as me. And how are your doctor(s) about prescribing meds?

neurowreck · 11-28-2007, 01:19 PM

I'd find a family doc, and just use the neuro for the seizures. It's so hard to have one doc who has things fairly 'stable' (can sympathize with moving from TX and my doc there, and finding a doc here- first one was 'fired' at the first meeting when she told me things about the meds that were absolutely not true.. I sent her things from the internet with my letter to tell her I wouldn't be coming back if my concerns weren't included in my care).

You might also have records sent to you from your doc in LA- explaining the problems you're having. Make copies for any doc you see, and give them as validation for your not being an abuser- that you just got the refills at the proper times, and didn't call for increases in meds.

New docs are going to be weird about scheduled meds, which is sad, since the major accreditation organization emphasizes pain control. Also, benzodiazepines are major triggers for seizures for anyone who's dose is cut too much, whether they are epileptic or not, so for epileptics, it's even a greater risk. His intentions may be good, but I'd get another internal medicine doc/family doc, and leave the neuro to the seizures.

It's so anxiety producing to have a doctor who doesn't listen.....I know that if I have a pile of my pain meds (fibromyalgia) I'm less likely to take them since I know relief is available if i need it. I get the refill every month, but have about 5 months back-stock here, since I don't want to run out....and I take less since I know I can get relief, which reduces stress.

I've got an autonomic nervous system disorder, that I've always felt is due to seizure activity (autonomic seizures are real types of seizures)....I get a fast heart rate, blotchy neck and chest, flushed cheeks, bluish lips and nail beds, arms and legs are ice cold, and I then sleep for hours. Inderal has helped, along with Neurontin. (I don't take Neurontin for seizures- just has the added bonus effects). It's hard to tell between panic and seizures sometimes- I feel horrible when it starts, until I get to the sleep part. I feel like my heart is jumping out of my chest, and my blood pressure can either nosedive, or skyrocket. The problem with autonomic seizures is that the probable location (brainstem) of any seizure focus is too deep for superficial EEG electrodes to pick up. All the doc has to go on is symptoms. I never have any pre-'attack' feelings of panic or anxiety, or am in any anxiety producing situation....it just hits.

TopamaxKillsMe · 11-29-2007, 02:38 PM

Thanks NW. I actually had to beg my neuro to up my dosage...it's still less than what I had in LA but eventually, when I have insurance, I will look into seeing a doctor that doesn't have a problem w/ it.

neurowreck · 11-29-2007, 09:12 PM

Being without insurance is like being left to the wolves. Medicaid is a joke if you have any sort of disability income at all, since the allowed amount for total care is hardly anything to live on (literally would be on the streets), and the 'deductible' amounts go up horribly. I'm on Medicare now (at 44 years old) from being on disability- I got the replacement policy, so can at least get medical care again- it's so frustrating to want to be doing better, but be limited by a system that keeps a person 'stuck' because of how they dish out help.

I hope you find someone who listens and understands. It makes such a huge difference with a doc.

Sherri5186 · 11-30-2007, 04:11 PM

Hi Top.Kills Me,

You and neuro. both have me wondering now,I am on Lorazepam,
but,my neurologist put me on it and it has helped me tremendously
with social anxiety,but,I do seem to have seizures now every two
weeks instead of once a month,and they do say that the Lorez. is
also for seizures.I wonder though could the increase of my seizures
be from the medicine or the fact that I have always had catamenial
seizures and close to menopause and in my case am sometimes having
my period twice a month.But,whether my period comes every
two weeks or not,my seizures definitely do.I would appreciate anyones
opinion.Why would my neurologist put me on the L. I never even mentioned
to her about my social anxiety.I would appreciate anyones opinions.
Take care and thanks,Sherri