Stress plus trying to find the right medication for my seizures

Posted by murphymarg59 @murphymarg59, Oct 23 3:51pm

Bummer. I went over 4months without a seizure. I was taking 100 mg of gabapentin in the morning. I was under a lot of stress. Does stress trigger a seizure ? Had 2 seizures in 2 days.
I have tried Kepra and Lamictal and I was unable to tolerate either of those. My doctor now tried Serax. I was suicidal
I am now back to gabapentin. 100mg 3 times a day. Haven’t received a go ahead from my doctor. Fingers crossed this will work. I want my life back.
Another thought. I am having a cardiac loop recorder placed in 2 weeks. A couple of drs thought seizures were caused by lack of blood to brain…Afib and irregular heart beats.
Appreciate comments. Thank

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group.

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 24 8:07am

Good Morning @murphymarg59
Stress is known to be one of the biggest triggers for seizures. I was nearly 8 months seizure-free this year until I faced a period of high stress, and unfortunately, my seizures returned.
Learning to identify my seizure triggers has been incredibly helpful in managing them better. Here's a material on the most common epilepsy triggers:
Seizure Triggers - Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers
The Andrews-Reiter approach has also been extremely helpful for identifying and managing my triggers better. Here are some resources about it:
Andrews-Reiter Website
https://www.andrewsreiter.com/
Andrews-Reiter Book: Taking Control of Your Seizures: Workbook
https://www.amazon.com.br/Taking-Control-Your-Seizures-Treatments-ebook/dp/B01556P55I
Stopping Seizures Before They Occur: The Andrews-Reiter Approach and Beyond

Besides stress, do you know what other triggers might affect your seizures?
Chris

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frankv | @frankv | Oct 24 10:25am

I’m taking 300mg gabapentin 3x a day and 60 mg lacosamide 2x a day. I’ve been seizure free since June 29. My first episode was June 24, hospitalized, 3 days unconscious.

murphymarg59 | @murphymarg59 | Oct 24 11:06am

Any side affects

gregd1956 | @gregd1956 | Oct 24 11:27am

Dear @murphymarg59
I can’t see why you have got seviure (sp?) and your needs on to anti-seiver (sp?).

I am a TBI member from an accident in 2012. I have this med: GABAPENTIN of 300 3 times a day. That helps me as part of my anti-seiver (sp?). Before that -was 4-5 years going to hospitals norm seuvyres (sp?) that took me 3-4 times during each year. But the last 4 years that helped me. It’s great, but I need that med is 3 times a day

Thx,
Greg D. @greg1956

frankv | @frankv | Oct 24 12:58pm

In reply to @murphymarg59 "Any side affects" + (show)

Moderate constipation manageable with a laxative. Also, alcohol is prohibited with this meds combination.

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 24 6:37pm

Hi @frankv
Many AEDs have constipation as side effect, unfortunately. I had it with Vimpat and also with Keppra.
I try to manage that by eating lots of raw vegetables and some fruits like papaya and prunes. It has helped a lot.
As far as I know, alcohol drinking is not recommended with any AED, as it can increase the side-effects of AEDs and/or reduce seizure threshold.
Chris

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lynn0225 | @lynn0225 | Oct 26 4:28pm

Is anyone here using Xcopri?
My husband has been on it since May 2025. He takes 1 tablet once a day at bedtime.
Prior to Xcopri, another doctor had him on 1000mg of Keppra twice daily. He experienced fatigue and sleepiness on that dosage of Keppra. Physician did not want to change the dosage. He changed physicians.

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 27 8:00am

Hi @lynn0225
I haven't tried Xcopri myself, but fatigue has been a common side effect with many of the AEDs I've taken.
How is your husband doing on Xcopri? Has it been successful in controlling his seizures?
Since I couldn't find any previous discussion about Xcopri in the community, starting a dedicated thread could be really valuable for connecting members who have experience with this medication—whether they've tried it in the past or are currently taking it. Would you be interested in starting one?
Chris

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