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 27 8:51pm

In reply to @frankv "Thank you, Chris. I am managing the constipation with a laxative, and totally off alcohol. Frank" + (show)

@frankv
I'm so happy for you!
Another thing I forgot to mention that has helped me a lot is golden flaxseed flour. I mix one dessert spoon of it into my yogurt daily.
Chris

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Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 27 9:05pm

In reply to @lynn0225 "@santosha We would be interested in starting a dedicated thread. How do I do that? @lynn0225" + (show)

@lynn0225
It's very easy! Here are the steps:
- Go to the main page of the Epilepsy & Seizures Group on Connect
- Right below the "search discussion" box, you'll see "start a new discussion"
- Click on "start a new discussion"
I've attached a picture to help guide you through the process.
Please let me know if you run into any trouble!
Chris

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Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 28 6:52am

In reply to @santosha "@lynn0225 It's very easy! Here are the steps: - Go to the main page of the..." + (show)

Hi @lynn0225
I just noticed the picture didn't attach properly. Hopefully it works now!
Chris

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Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Oct 28 9:15am

In reply to @santosha "Hi @lynn0225 I just noticed the picture didn't attach properly. Hopefully it works now! Chris" + (show)

Hi @lynn0225
Unfortunately, it looks like that didn't work either.
Here's the link to the Epilepsy & Seizures group main page: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/epilepsy-2bb359/
Once you're there, you'll see the option "Start a new discussion +" near the top. Just click on the "+" sign to begin creating your new discussion.
Chris

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lheidemann | @lheidemann | Nov 1 3:49pm

In reply to @lynn0225 "Is anyone here using Xcopri? My husband has been on it since May 2025. He takes..." + (show)

@lynn0225

I was recently started on anti seizure meds because of a seizure in August. The first med, lamotrigine, caused a rash on my feet so they stopped it right away but I tolerated it well otherwise. This new med is Keppra and I took a smaller dose than the Dr said to start with and I still can’t tolerate it I was so mean to my family, I can’t remember most of the couple days I was on it. I could function and think for about 2 hours and the rest of the day I was either asleep or deeply fatigued. I was starting to feel suicidal with it was well. I was on Wellbutrin before my seizure happened and now I can’t be on anything for depression and the meds all seem to cause more depression. I’m not sure my doctor understands my concerns and it’s causing more stress for me making my MS to flare up. Has anyone been on a medication that doesn’t cause more depression? I can’t switch doctors without a referral but they are so tired of me complaining.

murphymarg59 | @murphymarg59 | Nov 1 4:54pm

I am like you. Really sensitive to anti seizure medicine. I wound up in hospital taking Keppra. Suicidal, depressed ,hostile. Same with lamotrigine. I have tried 2 or three other meds. Same affect
I am taking gabapentin 100 mg three times a day. I seem to be tolerating. It was originally developed for seizures. Might see what your Dr thinks.
Good luck!!!

Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Nov 2 8:06am

In reply to @lheidemann "@lynn0225 I was recently started on anti seizure meds because of a seizure in August. The..." + (show)

Hi @lheidemann
Welcome to our Epilepsy & Seizures group at Connect!
I'm very sorry you're experiencing these difficult side effects with Keppra.
I also began my epilepsy treatment journey with Lamictal (lamotrigine) back in 2019. It caused the fewest side effects and kept me seizure-free. I also developed some skin rashes, but they softened and disappeared after 3 weeks. Unfortunately, I had to switch because it caused severe insomnia, an intolerable side-effect.
I've been on Keppra since last December. Thankfully, I haven't experienced depression (a common side effect of this medication), though I do have other uncomfortable side effects.
Here are two current discussions on Keppra that might be helpful:
- Side effects from Keppra?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/does-anyone-know-if-intense-keppra-side-effects-are-normal/
- Have you taken levetiracetam (Keppra)?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/keppra/
After trying 6 different AEDs, I've learned that side effects and effectiveness vary significantly from person to person—something my doctor confirms as well. What works well for one individual may not work for another. For example, I experienced depression with two AEDs that work well for many others without causing that side effect.
How long were you on Lamictal? Have you discussed switching from Keppra to another AED with your doctor?
I know finding the right medication can feel like a long road, but please don't give up. Your persistence matters. Your health is worth fighting for, and you're not alone in this journey. Stay strong and keep believing—you've got this, and brighter days are ahead!
Chris

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Chris Gautier, Volunteer Mentor | @santosha | Nov 2 8:32am

In reply to @murphymarg59 "I am like you. Really sensitive to anti seizure medicine. I wound up in hospital taking..." + (show)

Hi @murphymarg59
I'm happy to know it. I could also tolerate Gabapentin well, but it did not control my seizures well, unfortunately.
Curious to know, what is your kind of epilepsy? I have temporal lobe epilepsy.
Chris

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methel | @methel | Nov 2 1:10pm

In reply to @murphymarg59 "I am like you. Really sensitive to anti seizure medicine. I wound up in hospital taking..." + (show)

@murphymarg59
A useful reminder that reactions to powerful meds can be very different. I am grateful that I have been lucky with my anti seizure meds in contrast to some meds that I’ve taken for other things. (My last hospitalization was caused by an antibiotic I had no idea I was sensitive to and the doctor had troubles figuring it out. ) Yes, I am more tired and sleepy with Keppra but I’m ok with that because it controls the seizures well.