Posted by PattyG on January 18, 2002, at 11:42:43
In reply to Re: Effexor and seizures » PattyG, posted by Elizabeth on January 18, 2002, at 10:58:12
(Elizabeth wrote)
Effexor can lower the seizure threshold, although it is safer in this regard than tricyclics. I don't know how likely it
is that your son's seizures are being caused or exacerbated by it. I don't think he necessarily needs to stop taking it altogether, especially if it's helping him./////My concern is that he didn't start having any of the light headedness, dizzy spells, etc. until after he began taking Effexor. When one doc upped the dosage, he had *horrible* headaches - had to go back to 150 mg. I'm not sure if that's at low-end, mid-range or what on dosage level - anyone? Anyway, it just scares me that the info says to discontinue if seizure activity is present............some thoughts are that Effexor is one of the newer drugs so we really don't know for a fact about long-term effects, etc., but then I wonder if this is the same advice given for ALL antidepressants? Sigh.................
Have you heard back from the doctor about the Trileptal level?
/////Test was on Thursday and they had to send it out (can you say, "Boondocks?") and they're saying 2 weeks before we'll know. In the meantime, I just feel as though he's a guinea pig and they're just waiting to see if he has another seizure and then what???? I'm told that with each seizure, it lowers the threshold for others - oh, great.
Also, is there *anything* that folks can take to ward off a seizure when they feel one coming on? Someone mentioned Phenobarbital. It has to be a horribly, horribly helpless feeling to know it's going to happen and have absolutely nothing to do about it. Also, someone said he should lie down on his side and definitely not eat or drink anything. I'm also trying to glean information from some epilepsy sites, but I just figured if there had been much or any problems with Effexor, the folks here would probably know about it.
Again, I so appreciate the support here - it is a comfort.
Patty
poster:PattyG
thread:90646
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020116/msgs/90687.html