I'm just starting to delve into the disorder I've had for the past eight years. I feel incredibly irresponsible because I’m reading what you all have to say, and you seem to know such much, what form of epilepsy you have, what types of seizures you get, and I know nothing. How can I hope to get better if I don’t what I’m being treated for? But at least I realize this now and, well, I’m learning. I was hoping someone might has some advice for me.
I’m 24 and had my first seizure (grand-mal) the night before my sixteenth birthday. The first year they weren’t sure if my seizures needed meds, but then they put me on Depakote, which I’ve been on for the past eight years. My seizures stayed pretty steady for the next six years, about 2 or 3 a year, all grand-mal, nocturnal and never any warning. My neurologist keep increasing the dosage to it’s current level of 2000 mg ER. Finally, almost exactly two years ago, I had intense cluster seizures that put me in the ICU. After that I went on Keppra, 1000 mg, and that really seemed to help. I was seizure free until right before Christmas. I had a grand-mal one night right before I was going to go shopping. In the car of all places!! So much for my hard won license and thank god I wasn’t driving! Then, Christmas Eve was spent in the ER because I was having what my Mom thought were absence seizures all day. However I retained consciousness and my arm would jerk throughout. My Keppra dosage was upped to 1500 mg and ever since I’ve been extremely anxious and moody. I don't know if I should change doctors, meds, or what? I’d really appreciate any and all advice.