New diagnosis, don't want to take the medication
 

So, I'd mentioned in the new member forum that I am newly diagnosed.

I've been having these episodes since a small child but was just diagnosed on Wednesday with Epilepsy. It's scary and it's sad.

But I'm having trouble taking my medication. I already have generalized anxiety disorder, which includes a serious fear of medication. I avoid taking it at all costs. But they gave me Keppra 500mg two times a day. I picked it up Wednesday night, planned to take it Thursday morning and didn't. Planned to take it this morning and am too afraid.

I know me, and I know I will forget it take it many times. I always forget to take my medication. Heck I have a bottle of antibiotics from ages ago that's got more than 1/2 the antibiotics I was supposed to take, I forget to take my medication and I get anxious thinking about taking it. When I start this med I can't forget to take one.

I'm putting off taking the medication which isn't so smart for me I'm sure. I'm just afraid it may make the seizures worse, I'm afraid it may induce a seizure, I'm afraid of missing a dose, afraid od everything involving this new diagnosis. I know I need to take the medication, I just don't know how to be comfortable with it and not panic.

Hi purpleflyingmonkeys,

Welcome to the forum! I've had epilepsy 41 yrs. now, had 2 brain surgeries, and tried over 11 different AED's (sz. Meds) and many of them helped but there were some that didn't. What you need to do is ask your Dr. to do a DNA test on you and that will match up the enzymes and chemicals in your body to what AED's will help you the most with the least side effect.
If you don't take your AED's there's a chance that your sz. will become more serious and I know you don't want that to happen. My short term memory isn't the best so what I do is lay out my AED's to take in the morning and evening and when I see that they are gone I know I have taken them. Just find one location in your home to set you AED's for the day and lay them out for each day then once they are gone you will know you have taken them. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

purpleflyingmonkeys,

I will stand by Sue. Years ago I did the same as you, and ended up in worse condition. If you miss a dose, and then think about later, take it at that time. You will get use to the timing in a few weeks. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene :hug:

Keppra
 

Hi, I just thought I'd share a little with you. I have a 9 month old little boy that started having life threatening seizures when he was 5 weeks old where he would stop breathing. It's a long, sad and just plain crappy story up in till a couple months ago. His neurologist put him on Keppra, and he is doing amazing! It is one of the better seizure medications by far I feel.
My son was on a couple othesr b4 this one and he seriously just laid around in a mild coma like state...it was so sad! Once his body adjusted to the keppra and the other drugs were out of him he perked right up and actually started acting like a normal baby. The Drs told me that because of all the meds he most likely would be very delayed....well he is almost walking at 9 months! He is happy, never fussy, and pretty much the best baby ever! ( I have three other boys to compare him too...lol)

So I guess the point of my little story here is just to let you know that Keppra is great when needed, you should give it a shot, I know everyone is different and not all drugs work for everyone, but this one has been a savior for us! Good luck and stay strong! xo