I’m so miserable in every way but can’t get a neurologist in my rural area. City neurologists are booked.
@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member You say you’re still on the Keppra & it causes you to have suicidal thoughts. Have you ever told your doctor this? I strongly recommend you do if you haven’t already. Maybe there’s something else they could recommend. I pray you’ll be safe. Sorry to hear about what the Depakote did. I’m 47 & have been on it since probably a teenager. I found out in 2015 when I was starting to see an “adult” Neurologist, he made me aware that long term use of Depakote can possibly cause Osteoporosis & so he had me do a bone density test & that showed that I have Osteopenia in my left hip. I haven’t had really any other side effect issues from the Depakote. I never have lost hair due to a side effect of my medication. I see you’re on Topamax & over 25 years ago my Pediatric Neurologist put me on Topamax but it made me lose to much weight & so I had to get off it. I began seeing my current Neurologist in November 2019 & I’m still on Depakote but she then took me off my Trileptal & put me on Vimpat. So I’m currently taking Depakote & Vimpat. Well, stay safe & don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor about the suicidal thought side effects that the Keppra is causing. They can’t help you if you don’t keep them updated on how things are going. Your friend in Texas, Becky
Hi Becky. Thank you for your comments. Yes I have told my neurologist about the suicidal thoughts because of the Keppra. I've told him that more than once. He acted like he didn't believe me! I'm sorry for what the Topamax did to you. I pray that you're doing well. It's good to hear from you. It's been awhile since we last spoke. Thanks again for your comments. You told me just what I needed to hear.
Hi @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member - There appears to be a shortage of neurologists everywhere. I take Keppra; was started on it by an ER doctor a few months before I was able to see a neurologist. Thankfully, I have had no known issues with the Keppra and I now take it along with one other seizure medication.
I don't know how your insurance works, but if possible you might consider traveling 1 or 2 hours from home to see a neurologist. A lot of doctors will do followup calls with Zoom or even online portals (leaving messages).
Call the doctor's offices every week and ask about cancellations.
I know some people had hair loss issues when they had Covid.
Me, personally - if I was taking a med and having what I considered serious interactions from it, I would stop taking it. I has this experience with Lamictal. I messaged my doctor and told him I was stopping Lamictal. He immediately prescribed a different medication.
Be reminded: you are your best advocate for your health.
Be encouraged.
You are not alone out there.