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Epillim and sertraline feeling depressed

Posted , 3 users are following.

jennawren88
jennawren88

I'm epileptic and am on the epillim for the seizures, it makes thinking a struggle sometimes and makes my memory bad and i fear it may be making me quite paranoid. Is that quite a normal side effect? It feels like its getting more so the last couple of weeks.

I've just come off my sertraline (about a month or more ago) which i was put on for depression 2 years ago and now im feeling really depressed and despite not wanting to keep taking drugs (me and my partner want to start a family) fearful of the way im feeling and thinking.

Any advice/thoughts on my situation would be really appreciated. I just feel really bad and am not sure where to turn my doctor gives me 5 mins of his time and i feel he is just too busy to help me.

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Tazchurch
    Tazchurch jennawren88

    Posted

    I have taken this drug without problems for over 20 yrs, however the side effects leaflet does say that "Changes in mood, loss of memory, lack of concentration" can occur and that the GP must be told straight away.

    As an aside I note you wish to start a family and it is advised in the same leaflet that you speak your Dr and if you have one your specialist well before becoming pregnant. The reason given for this is that epilum is not always suitable for pregnant women or may mean they need extra care.

    Do you have access to another Doctor and are you under a neurologist?

    Message me if you want, I will help all I can.

  • old_nanna
    old_nanna jennawren88

    Posted

    weeeeellll i can not advise you what to do but maybe get another docs oppinion , ll i can say is what happens to me , .. im not on any medication for epilepsy as i had so much side affects from all their medication , i went through stages where i was a zombie and still blame the epilem for the blood not getting to parts of my brain , even though im 85 and i know the brain shrinks as you age , maybe ,lol i was diagonosed with epilepsy in 2010  and i took their word for it , ,i dont black out , but the TURN i call them only lasts a few minutes , but they continue for 2 days , now not sure if it was epilem or w2hat but i have never e3xperienced DEPRESSION in my life BUT i couldnt believe it i was so scared i spen the day and night at my daughters place , , so i sugest you talk it over with your doc , i wish i had someone who gets this type of turn , just wish i could explain the feeling too , yes also 2 years ago in august i was diagnosed with polymialgia rhumatica , be on face book , do vet banking  also  so all the best at that so they stuck me on prednisone , i am finally off that and will see doc to confirm with the bloodtest i only had yesterday , sooo this is only my story , ,,i know im 85 but im on line also on face book , do my banking on line  net bank , and follow another group on line   , i wish you well but get another oppinion , its rour right to do that , 
    • Tazchurch
      Tazchurch old_nanna

      Posted

      It can be something that they call Partial Complex seizures old nanna. My neurologist explained them and I get them as well as full blown fits. For me I feel is deja vu and a feeling of impending doom, I also occassionally feel I am being watched by something evil and the feeling is so real I dare not turn round.At such times I do not wish to be left alone. Fortunatly these are controlled but rest assured you are not unusual. Please feel free to explain and I will do my best to help. My diagnosis was over 20 yrs ago.
    • jennawren88
      jennawren88 old_nanna

      Posted

      I have complex partial seizures and it's like I 'switch off' for a little while. My body goes into auto pilot and whilst I have no memory of doing things ive been known to switch back in bed finding I've been up to all sorts. When they first began I would have them in the shower then wake up in bed with wet hair. Unaware that I had already woken up once that morning. The only indication was tthat I had wet hair and a wet pillow. I'm trying hard to be optimistic and get on with things but when every time I think I get frustrated and muddled up it's hard

    • Tazchurch
      Tazchurch jennawren88

      Posted

      The British Society for Epilepsy has some incredibly helpful leaflets and a dedicated helpline. The National society also has some good leaflets.Have you ever contacted them?
  • old_nanna
    old_nanna jennawren88

    Posted

    lord ,just tried to read what i typed lol my mouse is jumping all over the page lol sorry ,hope everyone can work it out lol ,im afraid i cant look up and type too , lol 
  • jennawren88
    jennawren88

    Posted

    Thank you for your replies tax and nanna, I've been refered by my doctor to a specialist in the neurolgy dept of my local hospital. I just got to wait now for a letter/appointment to come through in the post. 
    • Tazchurch
      Tazchurch jennawren88

      Posted

      I am so glad, that is the best thing that could have happened.

      Sending you big hugs xxx

    • old_nanna
      old_nanna Tazchurch

      Posted

      im pleased also , but im in australia lol looks like i need to find some one here interested in helping this old girl hey lol big hugs back to all of you xx
    • Tazchurch
      Tazchurch old_nanna

      Posted

      They are online as epilepsy action - lost of useful info. Are UK based but still relevant.

       

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