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

Needed somewhere to put this also. The major seizure today.
As usual came out of no where. I wasn't prepared. And
its a good thing that I was there. It was odd, he had come
and told me he was walking to the bank. Technically a couple of
blocks from our house. So I let him sometimes.

But as he left it dawned on me if I was going to get all the things
I had to before I had to leave. I'd better get going. Well I didn't
know if he had his key. So I didn't want to lock the door. So I
drove up to the bank to wait. He was taking a long time, but finally
decided he was talking to the girls. But now I'm not so sure.

I told him what was up, when I finally caught up with him. He didn't
see me. So then he got in. And chose to stay him, instead of go
get the papers at the school with me. Anyway then I asked if
he wanted to go get a coke first with me. And he did, it was there
that he had a major, left sided, not being able to talk or walk in the
end. But he is startiing to not want to let go. He wanted to take the
drinks out with us. I wanted to take him to the van and come back.
He wouldnt have it. It makes it worse if you wait.

Anyway I finally get him started, not sure how many times I almost lose him
to the floor, the poor girl at the register has known us forever. didn't know
what to say. Anyway, we start out. And he has nothing to help outside.
And I almost drop him and everything. But he grabs a pole. and I get the
drinks in. Then him. We get home, I get the house unlocked, and
try to get him in. And he ends up falling flat in the dirt in the front.

Finally get him, in and later he is trying to do something not sure what.

And hits his head on the coffee table. Ugh.

Now he is finally sleeping it all off.

Donna

OH POOR DERRICK!!! what a day!!! man!!! and no picnic for you either!!!

i agree it might just be that things got out of control with his having been on the generic too long. at that point, putting the med back at maintenance dose would not necessarily have an immediate effect.

but i think i'd put a call in to his doc about this. he might want you to temporarily increase the med, without even removing the other one, at least until things get under control again, and then re-evaluate. or he might want to wait a little, but i think i'd ask.

after today seems clear his seeming 'off' was probably seizures - and a lot of them.

i hope things get better soon. Derrick seems like such a sweet person! i hate to think of him suffering so much. and all because the stupid insurance company wants to save a couple of bucks shuffling suppliers around.

~ waves ~

Thanks waves

I totally agree. And as its going to be medicaid will end up paying
for tis in the end.

Donna

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