[Silverman]

I've been off my meds for awhile, and just been trying to deal. The nurse practitioner I see at the VA is constantly trying to put me back on some meds. I haven't had any seizures in a while and don't want to start back, so I'm very cautious about what I take.

[Rohag]

Hello & Welcome, Silverman!

...seizures...so I'm very cautious about what I take.

And you should be. You can insist on consulting with a neurologist before accepting any prescriptions. A neurologist, or possibly a psychopharmacologist (larger VA centers should each have a dedicated pharmacologist at least) will be able to give you a general seizure risk for individual medications. It would be best if a neurologist and psychiatrist collaboratively worked with you.

Of course, the VA psychiatrist I see has 200 patients, and he only works part-time (his full-time colleague has 500 patients)...

Again, Welcome, and please keep posting!

[shezbut]

(((Silverman)))

I don't blame you for being cautious on the meds that you're willing to take.

Really, my epileptologist often reassures me that we know our bodies much better than these NP's, neuro's and epi's do! Therefore, if we're concerned about starting a med program to improve our depression, we have a right to speak up for ourselves!

As I recall, many anti-depressants do increase the risk of seizures. There are, however, different AED's that may balance the risk better. For example ~ I take valproic acid for my sz disorder; Effexor XR (and Buspar to increase effect of the antidepressant); as well as a couple other meds for other conditions.

Very best wishes to you!

i have a seizure disorder as well, take dilantin and depakote, and celexa for depression, been on a lot of them, mostly they (pdoc) said no wellburtrin... been on paxil, zoloft, cymbalta (excellent but expensive) and so far celexa and trazadone work well for me,,,
ohhh no prozac either, but not sure if that was because of my low weight or seizures..

good luck and research, research, research!!!

[dillpickle1983]

I don't have a seizure disorder or anything, however I really support you in being nervous. I do alot of research on my meds before allowing a doctor to prescribe them to me. Maybe take a look at what the doctor wants to prescribe you, then come on PC here and check out the med and see what others are saying about it. Thats what I always do. Good Luck!