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trileptal
Tue, 11/12/2013 - 23:18Topic: Medication Issues
Im new to the epilepsy scene. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago. I'm 30. I was prescribed trileptal. It makes me sleepy. I've been sleeping around 12hrs. A day. And i t makes me feel cloudy headed. Is this normal?
Also, i have lost my driving priveledge and like in the woods 15 min. From town. How does one work without a liscense..be cause i have lost my job due to not being able to drive. Feedback would be good.thanks
Comments
Re: trileptal
Submitted by mereloaded on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 07:20
Side effects are common during the first 2 weeks of taking the medication, then they stat to tapper off. If you still feel that way, then either the dosage is too high and needs to be adjusted or a new medication needs to be prescribed. It is not easy to switch meds and no, you cannot just "stop taking it" as someone suggested, as seizure can get worse or you gain go not status epilepticus, a very real danger of stopping aeds suddenly.
Please consult the dr. That prescribed the medication. Can you get on unemployment? Also, each state has a program of a bus ride for people with medical condition. In most states, people with epilepsy qualify. Ask you local department of health.
Best wishes
Re: trileptal
Submitted by Sunshine77386 on Wed, 2013-11-13 - 10:42
Your doctor should have prescribed a small dosage to start with and then you would titrate up to the required dosage. I take 600mg in the morning, 600mg in the afternoon, and 1200mg at night along with the other seizure meds I'm on. I have noticed over the years (I take the generic Oxcarbazepine) that it sometimes makes a difference in the manufacturer of the generic. But, like any other seizure medication, each person has success and failure with each one. I've had success with it without any side effects. If it persists, talk to your doctor.
Re: trileptal
Submitted by dskelding on Thu, 2013-11-14 - 16:30
My 13 year old son has been taking Trileptal for 5 years and he still has occasional issues with sleepiness and blurred vision. It sounds like the dosage is too high for you...as everyone else stated, you need to build up over a period of weeks. It is also really important to eat before you take your meds. He cannot take any on an empty stomach or he will get really tired and dizzy. Please talk to your doctor - Lamictal is another option that has shown less side effects for my son. We are currently reducing his Trileptal and increasing Lamictal. Check in town for any kind of organization that can help people with medical conditions or disabilities. You definitely qualify for assistance with transportation. All of the advice you have received here so far here is excellent - this is a great forum for support. Please keep us all posted and ask as many questions as you want. There are lots of people who are here to help and have experienced what you are going through. Good luck and please talk to your doctor. If you don't get a good response, find another one. You are the customer - always remember that.
My 13 year old son has been taking Trileptal for 5 years and he still has occasional issues with sleepiness and blurred vision. It sounds like the dosage is too high for you...as everyone else stated, you need to build up over a period of weeks. It is also really important to eat before you take your meds. He cannot take any on an empty stomach or he will get really tired and dizzy. Please talk to your doctor - Lamictal is another option that has shown less side effects for my son. We are currently reducing his Trileptal and increasing Lamictal. Check in town for any kind of organization that can help people with medical conditions or disabilities. You definitely qualify for assistance with transportation. All of the advice you have received here so far here is excellent - this is a great forum for support. Please keep us all posted and ask as many questions as you want. There are lots of people who are here to help and have experienced what you are going through. Good luck and please talk to your doctor. If you don't get a good response, find another one. You are the customer - always remember that.