![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by PattyG on January 17, 2002, at 20:39:25
I've written before about my young adult son who has been on Effexor (150 mg.) for about 5 1/2 yrs. Has been a good AD for him although effect has waned in recent 2 years. Had first seizure in winter of 2000 (dropped his wellbutrin) - 2nd seizure in Sept. of 2001 (began Dilantin - had side effects and switched to Trileptal (1200 mg.) 1 month ago) Just had 3rd seizure this past Tues. (4 mos. apart! Doc upped Trileptal to 1800 mg. and did bloodwork) NOW I'm reading that Effexor CAN cause seizures and if one is taking effexor and has seizures to DISCONTINUE. Neurologist didn't think that necesary. Can't say that I've read anything here about correlation between Effexor and seizures, but we're beginning to wonder as he now realizes his "aura" before seizure is something that has been happening for some time (light headed, dizzy, feels faint.....the warning with last one was longer and more intense.) So now I am wondering if, indeed, the Effexor could be the culprit. What say the experts out there? (Pharmacists, Elizabeth?) Talk about depressing.
Posted by TSA West on January 17, 2002, at 20:44:47
In reply to Effexor can cause seizures? Need input!, posted by PattyG on January 17, 2002, at 20:39:25
Effexor is less likely to cause seizures than other psychotropic agents (most namely, tricyclics). But its terrible to think that a drug with beneficial effects on emotional health could possibly be dangerous.
Consider asking your doctor about mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants that have definite antidepressant qualities (in unipolars as well as bipolars) like Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Another idea is to switch him to fosphenytoin, which combines Dilantin's efficacy with fewer side-effects.
Posted by Elizabeth on January 18, 2002, at 10:58:12
In reply to Effexor can cause seizures? Need input!, posted by PattyG on January 17, 2002, at 20:39:25
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.
Have you heard back from the doctor about the Trileptal level?
-elizabeth
Posted by PattyG on January 18, 2002, at 11:29:11
In reply to Effexor and anticonvulsants » PattyG, posted by TSA West on January 17, 2002, at 20:44:47
(TSA wrote)
Effexor is less likely to cause seizures than other psychotropic agents (most namely, tricyclics). But its terrible to think that a drug with beneficial effects on emotional health could possibly be dangerous./////But what scares me is that the information I've recently read says to discontinue if seizures are an issue. I do believe he's far more stable now than in the past, but he does need to be on something.
Consider asking your doctor about mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants that have definite antidepressant qualities (in unipolars as well as bipolars) like Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Another idea is to switch him to fosphenytoin, which combines Dilantin's efficacy with fewer side-effects.////I guess I would wonder why the neurologist wouldn't have even suggested that himself, you know? He said that ALL antidepressants can cause or contribute to seizures........yeah?......well then why was he so cock-sure the culprit was the Wellbutrin after the first seizure, but doesn't think it could be the Effexor now? My son never did reach a "therapeutic level" with the Dilantin so I'm not sure about the Fosphenytoin (never heard of it and am wondering why doc didn't mention that............although methinks he's one of those who can't quite spit out, "I don't know"..............)
Thanks so much for your input.
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
Posted by PattyG on January 22, 2002, at 19:02:37
In reply to Re: Effexor and seizures » PattyG, posted by Elizabeth on January 18, 2002, at 10:58:12
Elizabeth,
Wanted to share these websites with you as you are also on Effexor and Trileptal. I haven't scoured all three as yet, but I believe I got my info about Effexor and seizure relationship from the first site. I'm still searching for answers!
PattyG
http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/venlaf.html
http://www.effexor-xr-side-effects-withdrawal.com/general-precautions.html
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/EFF1153.HTM
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.