Focal awareness seizures or auras?

I tried several different seizures drugs with little or no relief. I went though 6 neurologists until one suggested I try using both lamicatal and trileptal. They are similar but not identical drugs and, for whatever reason, the combination of the two worked for me.

Hello @mercuryrose
Getting an epilepsy diagnosis with focal seizure at 78 must have been quite unexpected, but it sounds like you've been responding well to Keppra. 🙏
When were you diagnosed with epilepsy and how long have you been on Keppra?
You mentioned that you are tired of the medication. Are you experiencing any side effects from it?
Chris

Hi @murphymarg59
I've also experienced sleep issues with several AEDs I've tried. Many doctors find that switching the timing of medication from evening to morning can reduce or even eliminate this side effect.
Did switching your Gabapentin to morning help improve those sleep-related side effects?
Chris

Hi @lzbthtyler
I also have temporal lobe epilepsy, but on the left side of my brain. My seizures are mostly focal - either auras or impaired awareness seizures - though I've also had a few tonic-clonic ones.
I've tried many different medications that either didn't control my seizures or had terrible side effects: Lacosamide, Lamotrigine, Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Oxcarbazepine, and full CBD. Later, I was diagnosed with mesial sclerosis in my temporal lobe, which is a type of temporal lobe epilepsy that's more resistant to medications - which explained my struggles with finding effective treatment. Surgery was even considered, but unlike you, who has already had LITT surgery, it was ruled out for me since the left side is my dominant brain hemisphere.
Today, I'm on Keppra and have been seizure-free for 7 months - the longest period since my diagnosis in 2019! I'm definitely celebrating that achievement! I started on 500 mg twice daily and experienced some very difficult side effects initially. However, through my doctor's careful dose adjustments and my own patience with the process, my side effects became manageable, and the benefits now far outweigh the drawbacks. Please don't lose hope - finding the right medication and dose can take time, but it's possible!
How long have you been on Xcopri, and how long at each dose (300 mg and 250 mg)?
Your mention of seizures occurring in the first or last week of each month is really interesting. Have you noticed any patterns or changes during those specific times? Many women experience catamenial seizures, which are triggered by hormonal fluctuations during their menstrual cycle.
Chris

I was diagnosed with Focal seizures at 78 years old! I had 5 of them in a year. Then put on Keppra 500 mg twice a day. I have never had another one and my Mayo Clinic Neurologist reduced the am one to 250 mg about 7 months ago. I still sense the Aura once in a while but never have had the 3 minute seizure. I am tired from the medication and going to ask the doctor when I see him next week if I can lower the Keppra at pm to 250mg.

I’ve been in it 2 weeks
I am taking 100 mg in the morning. Started out with 100 mg at night. Made me anxious and couldn’t sleep.
Prescribed by my pcp.
So far no seizures. 🙏

Hi, @murphymarg59 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Have you taken gabapentin for focal awareness seizures? If so, how is that going?

Gabapentin

Hi,
I was diagnosed in 2016. I feel better on the 250 mg of Xcopri. I usually have my seizures around the last week or 1st week of the month, so I don't know if the increase has helped yet. I'm scheduled to go in the EMU Sept 2nd.

Hi, @lzbthtyler - I moved your post here so that you could chat with others talking about focal awareness seizures, such as @santosha @methel @kelspal @adoptivemother and others.

You mentioned upping your dose of cenobamate (Xcopri) but that it made you extremely sleepy and that you felt unwell. Is the 250 mg of helpful to you at all? When were you originally diagnosed?