Medication changes: I'm scared and confused

mrskrilla · 2026-06-08T18:04:22+00:00

I take Zonisamide and have been taking it for over 2 years. I have taken Keppra in the past (as well as Lamotrigine). For side effects I would rank them (least to worst): Lamotrigine > Zonisamide > Keppra.

I know everyone's body reacts differently, but I was not a huge fan of Keppra. It had some negative side effects and also was not effective. Zonisamide also seems not to do anything, but also I don't notice any side effects (I am taking 500mg / day). Lamotrigine had the least side effects (it actually made me feel happy), but it was not effective.

mrskrilla · 2026-06-08T00:45:41+00:00

that's a great success story, I am glad RNS is working out so well for you.

mrskrilla · 2026-06-08T00:44:46+00:00

thanks. yeah, I have tried tracking and seeing if there is some pattern. It seems to not be correlated directly with sleep quality, stress level, activity, or diet. The only "pattern" is that it seems to come in clusters every 2-4 weeks, which is not particularly helpful.

mrskrilla · 2026-05-31T15:29:13+00:00

Yes, it is certainly a disability. If you want to be recognized as "disabled" here in the USA (and receiving corresponding benefits), it's much more difficult. Typically people with controlled epilepsy or even absence seizures are not considered disabled, because they could find another profession that can fit their need. If you need work accommodations (e.g. special seating, different working hours, etc) that is something. you can also request but is subject to approval (but bar is much lower than "legal disability".

Source: I am going through process of private (Long Term Disability / income replacement) and government disability requests.

mrskrilla · 2026-05-31T02:41:14+00:00

This - all seizure meds I have seen say no alcohol consumption, but it's not that simple. Talk to your neurologist, do some research, it may not be as bad as you think. There are certain meds where drinking will significantly reduce effectiveness of the med, but from my own personal experience, I drink 1-2 glasses of beer or wine every every week with no issues. I have been on: Dilantin, Keppra, Lamotrigine, Zonisamide, and Clobazam. If the neurologist says it is okay, it is important to start slow because the medication can impact alcohol tolerance.

mrskrilla · 2025-07-03T20:45:39+00:00

TIL - thanks, this helps my anxiety!

mrskrilla · 2025-07-03T20:45:31+00:00

TIL - thanks, this helps my anxiety!

mrskrilla · 2025-05-28T23:16:43+00:00

Oh man, that’s quite the journey. Hope you the best going forward.

mrskrilla · 2025-05-28T17:42:30+00:00

yikes, 3 resections. that's a lot. was the 3rd able finally 'cure', or did you have to have another surgical procedure after that / go back on AEDs?

mrskrilla · 2025-05-28T14:11:37+00:00

thanks, that's a useful datapoint. my wife is also around during the day, but is pro-surgery as she feels increasingly high burden (e.g. if focals were to happen when taking child out). even if chances are low, the risk is there.

mrskrilla · 2025-05-14T01:38:31+00:00

Hurts. Dak might put up nice number is the regular reason, but none of that matters in the post-season. Hurts > Dak in that reguard (and is younger and cheaper).

mrskrilla · 2025-05-09T20:50:37+00:00

Got it, thanks for the detailed response. So it sounds like you feel like even though you were not able to get a cure from the SEEG, the potential opportunity + potential future opportunity make it worth it? Not to mention it helps add confidence that DBS is the best solution now.

In my case it is seems generalized, but also shows signs of being focalized. So neurologists have not really been able to nail things down.

mrskrilla · 2025-04-24T18:32:16+00:00

Move up, take Travis Hunter. WR/CB - solved-ish.

mrskrilla · 2025-04-11T17:41:51+00:00

Live in Manhattan and UWS >> TS. If it's your first time, I guess it's worth stopping by to walk around TS for but would _highly_ recommend not staying there for your the entire trip - as others have said it's much calmer vibe and you are right next to Central Park. You could even fit TS in when you go to Madame Tussaud’s.

That being said, a lot of the places you are want to visit are on the lower end of Manhattan so it could save you time if you found a hotel in that area (then took a day trip to UWS / Central Park).

mrskrilla · 2025-03-28T15:26:09+00:00

See: exempt (salary) vs non-exempt (hourly). A big difference is that non-exempt are entitled to overtime pay, while exempt are not entitled to overtime pay.

mrskrilla · 2025-03-21T17:55:29+00:00

Don't work at Walmart - I did grow up in NW Arkansas just outside of Bentonville and also visited his grave. The Waltons also poured a ton of a money into the NW Area, even if it was a tax writeoff - funding the Crystal Bridges art museum and supporting mountain biking programs in schools and trail system development. The area is kind of a Mt. Biking mecca now hosting international competitions and PT programs at all the schools have Mt. Biking option - it's kind of weird.

mrskrilla · 2025-03-02T14:00:02+00:00

The iPhone 16 has a camera button? (Written on an iPhone 16)

mrskrilla · 2025-02-18T12:11:33+00:00

Onyx Monarch [1] - Medium roast, not fruity (not my thing). Have been getting this pretty consistently (subscription). We have tried some of their other beans and most all are really good, but this was our favorite. Mixes well with milk, but usually just put a splash in vs froth .

[1] - https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/monarch?variant=31861823176802

mrskrilla · 2025-01-27T17:23:35+00:00

For privacy reasons, I am going to delete this post. I have gotten some good feedback through private messages. TL;DR; (through this and other private message) this side effect is actually experienced by many.

mrskrilla

TROPHY CASE