Any experience with complex-partial seizures?

[keypooh90]

Hi.

I was just diagnosed today with epilepsy, adult-onset. The specific type of seizures I'm having (3 so far) are complex-partial/secondarily generalized seizures. I've been put on Trileptal. Anyone on this drug? My doc said I can be out on something else later as a second drug if need be. I will have a follow-up EEG in a month. Anyone have any experience?
I can't drive anymore for at least awhile and am terrrifed!

 

[jmartinez1895]

My son was on Trileptal for years. Of all fo the meds that he has tried, it had the least side effects. I often point people to this web site because it has a lot of info that may be helpful for you. http://www.epilepsy.com/
Also you might want to to checkout http://www.epilepsyadvocate.com/

 

[FortForever]

My son-in-law is going through something similar. In November, at the age of 30, he had his first ever seizure. It was major (grand mal?) and he ended up in the hospital for six days.

He is not allowed to drive, or be alone with the kids, until May. He is on two kinds of meds and is now a moody, angry person. The meds are making him crazy where he used to be nice and easy going.

Having a seizure out of nowhere as an adult was scary, but the treatment is more so. Not sure how this will effect their lives long term. :-(

 

[keypooh90]

The side effects and everything are scaring me to death! I'm a junior in college and commute to campus. Now I'm scrambling to find rides, have to worry about getting rides to/from work, etc.

I've been out of work/school all this week, was cleared to go back on Monday.

 

[disney fan4]

I was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 15. I am now 31. I was on tegretol for 7 years, and have been on trileptal for 8 years. I have had good seizure control with both meds. The only side effect I have is drowsiness. But that gets better the longer you are on it. My neurologist keeps regular check of my trileptal level and adjusts my dose as needed.
It was very scary at first and I couldnt get my drivers license when I first turned 16. I was afraid that I would not be able to lead a normal life. But I now have an awesome husband and kids , so taking medicine everyday and having to avoid certain activities doesn't seem so bad.
Hang in there, give it some time. If this medicine is not the one for you, your neurologist can help you find which one is

Edited to add: I couldn't drive/get my license for 6 months after my first seizure. That is the only time since my diagnosis I have been unable to drive.

 

[disney david]

You may want to check your state DMV as to whet you can't rive because each have their own set laws most you have to be seizure free for at lest 6 months some could be longer it might be less if controlled by meds.



http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/rights_driving

 

[disney david]

Here a link that you cans earth each state I know you going to collage in ga not sure if that your home state or have a drivers license they say to get a license you have to be 6 months free. And dr are not required to report to the DMV patients they have a seizure but dose not prevent them from doing it if the dr thinks if the seizure could hinder safe operation of a motor vehicle.

The best ting to do is talk to your dr they would be the best to help in when you can drive again since you already have a license you don't really need to do anything unless you have to renew or move and need a new one.


http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/resources/Driving-Laws-by-State.cfm

 

[keypooh90]

Thanks for all the help! Yeah, right now the restriction is only six months, but still for a young person six months is a long time for a loss of independence. I'm really struggling right now.

 

[alsmith3939]

I hope you got the help you need by now and from having pregnancy seizures myself, the not driving really stinks! My DD5 has three forms of seizures and is on three different seizure meds currently. Do your research on seizures as there is a lot out there and also recommend getting an id bracelet if you dont have one that way you arnt rushed to the ER the second one happens and someone who can advocate isnt with you. Also just watch how tired you get as that can make them worse as well as taking medication at the same time everyday helps as well.
While I know your in college and money might be tight see if you can pay a friend gas money when they take you places that seemed to help me feel better about it and them more willing when i couldnt drive! Hope your getting better quickly and seizure free soon!