I'm looking for some information. I'm trying to figure out why Derrick
is all the sudden so tired all the time.

I am not sure if its because he was put on regular zonegran. Or because
he is now off the Seroquel.

But I really am getting worried about him. He is really off it just seems.

Donna

Dear Donna

Seroquel is sedating. Dosages as small as 25mg are sometimes given as a sleep aid. (antipsychotic dosages are 400-800mg and that knocks the life out of most people).

So if anything, coming off it he would be LESS tired, not more.

it's much more likely to be the Zonegran or something else. The brand may be a bit stronger than he's used to.

~ waves ~

Dear Donna

the other thing i can think of ...

is could he be having subtle seizures that are wiping him out?

what types of seizures does he usually have?

when you say he seems "off" ... is he responsive?

~ waves ~

Yes, i've thought of the seizures too. I just watch. I just don't know.

He has different kinds. But I'm guessing he might be having small ones that
are hard to see.

Thanks

Donna

yes. could easily be.

i suppose the Zonegran brand may actually be pharmacologically slightly LESS active than the particular generic that was working for him. in that case the dose probably needs adjusting and then you will be straight because it will reliably be the same. occasionally a too-high dose of AED will produce more seizures - similarly resolvable with a dose adjustment.

another possible factor - but i think unlikely because you are onto this stuff -

... has he been on any other medication that he does not normally take? (eg. an antibiotic?)

... or similarly, has he been eating or drinking unusual quantities of any specific food or drink... or what about herbal teas?

where i am going with this is if he could be taking anything that might be inducing one of the hepatic enzymes which metabolizes the Zonegran. An inducer would lower his drug level.

The reason he can't have grapefruit juice is the opposite - it inhibits the primary enzyme pathway involved (CYP3A4) - it would raise Zonegran levels. BTW, lime (but not lemon), bergamot and sour orange also have these properties to a lesser degree.

i hope he feels better soon.

~ waves ~

Thanks Waves

Well guess we were right on with reasons. I had hoped I was wrong.
Because saw a little more the old Derrick yesterday.

But today one major seizure. I believe it might be more that he was
on the bad generic for almost two weeks. I came close to taking him
completely off generic bad and just waiting. Because it was getting
so bad. I am thinking we may have to wait till his system realizes
also its the regular zonegran. I am also thinking about whether it
might be better to suggest going up to 300 twice a day. That
would also take away a 25mg 2 x a day medication. But I'm just
not sure yet.

Ugh, I hate it when things are working and they get messed with.

Donna

I am glad that you weree there for him.
(((((HUGS))))
bizi

Thanks Bizi

I really feel hopeless for him at this time.

I really hope it passes soon.

I sent a email to the doctor. But I just hope it made sense.

Donna

Dear Donna,
That's so hard for Derrick and so hard for you to witness.
I'm glad that you are keeping an eye on him.

I guess in the day time you can telephone the dr and get some help for him.

Mari

Well, I took my granddaughter to Riley today. WHich meant leaving
Derrick home. With some of us checking in on him.

As it was he had a seizure and fell in the end. Couldn't find the phone.
But when he did called 911.

Ugh I hate this.

Donna