Dealing w/my mortality, AED side effects. How long can I take AEDs?

Posted by murphymarg59 @murphymarg59, 5 days ago

I have been taking zonisamide now for almost two months. It is the first AED that I have been able to tolerate. Started at 100 mg for 2 weeks , then 200 mg for about 3 weeks. Now I am 300 mg which according to Dr is the max dosage.
I take it at bedtime. No seizures!
Just curious as do you ever get back to feeling ‘normal’ again. I keep telling myself that I will tolerate how I feel vs having seizures.
Also. I am 84 years old. Had my first seizure 1 year ago what a shock. I have had a total of 5 seizures since. Longest period without a seizure was 4 months which was brought on by stress of putting our dog down. That was in October.
Dealing with my mortality. How long can you take AED? I use to be healthy. Walked 2-3 miles daily. Kept busy. Now can’t drive or be by myself!!!!

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lynnelw | @lynnelw | 5 days ago

I am sorry for your troubles.

murphymarg59 | @murphymarg59 | 5 days ago

Thank you

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | 4 days ago

Hi @murphymarg59
The start of an epilepsy treatment journey can be really challenging, especially with all the side effects AEDs can cause. I know this from experience.
New AEDs can take some time for our bodies to adjust to. I recently shared an article about this in another discussion that you might find helpful: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-long-does-new-aeds-take-to-adjust/
I'm so happy to hear you've been seizure-free since starting zonisamide! At the same time, it sounds like you're dealing with quite a few side effects—is that right?
Have you had a chance to discuss these side effects with your doctor and understand how long the adjustment period might take?
The early stages of a new AED are usually the most challenging ones, but don't lose hope.
Chris

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murphymarg59 | @murphymarg59 | 4 days ago

In reply to @santosha "Hi @murphymarg59 The start of an epilepsy treatment journey can be really challenging, especially with all..." + (show)

@santosha
I have an appointment with Dr next week. Like I said. I will deal with side effects if the meds keep me seizure free. 🙏🙏🙏

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | 4 days ago

In reply to @murphymarg59 "@santosha I have an appointment with Dr next week. Like I said. I will deal with..." + (show)

@murphymarg59
This is great to know! Keep me updated, and if I can be of any help, please let me know.
Chris

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murphymarg59 | @murphymarg59 | 4 days ago

In reply to @santosha "@murphymarg59 This is great to know! Keep me updated, and if I can be of any..." + (show)

@santosha
Thank you and I will

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