Meds

You didn't mention enough information here, and I agree you need to discuss this with your doctor. My understanding is there is a period of adjustment needed, but there are also lots of different options out there, so if you can't survive with this, ask about having something different. A pharmacist may be able to help you adjust to the side effects in the meantime. GL! I'm sure this can't be an easy time.

You would be best having this conversation with your doctor as other Moms have recommended as only they know your medical history, the exact reason you were placed on the meds and what strength, etc. was prescribed.

I'm sure there are several medications available for seizures, and there are likely many doses of those medications available. I'd ask for them to titrate the medication so it doesn't have such an effect.

You may also want to ask a pharmacist to have them help explain if there's a period of time that is required to help your body get adjusted to having the meds in your system.

Regardless, please have this conversation with your prescribing physician.

Best wishes. I hope you get this cleared-up soon so you can be on your meds and feeling like a good mother.

I have a friend that stopped taking her meds. She had seziure soon after and almost lost her drivers license because of it. If it wasn't because she begged and cried to her doctor that she wouldn't stop them again, he didn't turn her in. Please talk to your doctor and explain how you are feeling. I know they make you feel slower, but it sounds like you are under a lot of stress. Getting off your medications now, getting off your meds now sounds very dangerous.

As all the other moms said, please do not stop taking your medication and talk to your doctor. There are always different doses or medicines and sometimes it takes time to figure out what is right for you and your body. As frustrating as it is it is better that you stay healthy verses having to slow down. I understand it took my doctor awhile to find out what works for me. I am on a seizure med for something else, and I admit I feel like I am not as quick, but it could also be because I am so busy with life and my daughter. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate and stress can also slow you down. You didn't say how long you have been on the medication, but also keep in mind that there can be an adjustment period. Good luck.

T., Don't stop taking your meds. Talk to your doctor about how they make you feel and see if he can change them! I have had problems with some meds in the past and I have always been able to talk to my doctor and switch things around until we found the right meds that took care of the problems and let me have a good quality of life! Hang in there! Best wishes.

This may or may not be apllicable to you.

I watched a documentary recently that was showing how aspartame/spenda/nutrasweet causes a high amount of seizures in people and also in past rat trials.

I know how you feel. I am also taking an anti-convulsant (though not for a seizure disorder; they are also used to treat other issues). I feel like my brain isn't working quite like it used to either. But after a while, once your doc has the dosage figured out (there's not a good way to do this, other than trial and error) you start adjusting and are able to cope. I know how frustrating it is (I'm a student and things aren't coming as easily as they used too, grrr) but it's very important to discuss this with your doctor. You can have a conversation about the benefits and drawbacks, and other meds and treatments available.

But don't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. It can be very very dangerous, even if you're not taking them for a seizure there are other concerns too when you stop suddenly.

My step mother is also on seizure meds that make her feel tired, and slower than normal, but they are necessary. Please dont stop taking them, speak with your doctor and see if there is anything that they can do to tweak the meds so the side effects arent so severe. Not taking the meds can cause way more serious side effects (my step mom has burned herself VERY badly, more than once from taking a seizure while cooking, and almost died in a car accident caused by a seizure... she no longer drives). Please.... discuss your concerns with your doc... they are the only ones who can safely give you options, and alternatives. And you sound like your kids are a bit older, have a conversation with them... explain why Mom is not herself, and have them help you out. Kids are smart... they want you to be well... and they will do whatever they can to make Mom feel better!!!

The only person that can really answer this is your doctor. They may also be able to change the med or dose to help you feel better. My neice has been on seziure meds since she was less then a year old & will have to take it the rest of her life... she is 8 right now. Over the years they have had to change her dose & rework the med list.

Good luck w/ everything going on in your life - but try to remember... you have to take care of yourself inorder to do all the things you love & have planned.