Misc What anti-seizure med will I likely be given (UK)?

[ChemicallyEnhanced]

I had several alcohol withdrawal seizures and that has caused some damage to that part of the brain so now I have a sort of pseudo-epilepsy where I will always have clonic-tonic (grand mal) seizures.

Despite a history of benzo and opiate abuse I somehow blagged my way into being prescribed Phenobarbital. I L-O-V-E-D it. Not only did I not experience a single seizure during the six months I was on it, it would knock me out for 8 hours at night so I had a great sleeping pattern for the first time in my life and it is the only non-benzodiazapine that has actually worked for my anxiety.

I was hospitalized for unrelated reasons after 6 months on it and the doctors noticed how unusual it was as Phenobarbital is only used in the UK is no other seizure med will work and it was the only one I'd been on. They forced me off it (I put up a big fight so I emphasis - FORCED) and gave me Keppra (Levitiracetam) instead.

I have been on Keppra for three years and not only do I still have fairly regular seizures, it does NOTHING for me psychologically.

I'm thinking of asking my GP to switch me to a new med, but what am I likely to be tried on? And is Phenobarbital the only recreational anti-seizure med? (I know people in jail get high off Depakote :/)

EDIT: I no longer drink.

 

[kleinerkiffer]

Sorry OP but I'm afraid this is a question we can't answer (we could speculate, but this won't help you), only a specialist can after checking your EEG.
Maybe this will help https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg137/chapter/1-Guidance#pharmacological-treatment
Sodium valproate seems to be first line and lamotrigine second line treatment

 

[CFC]

Yeah, they won't give you phenobarbital long-term mate, and you're right it's highly unusual you were given it in the first place. It's the number one drug for suicidal patients, and the NHS/NICE is fully aware of that and has worked hard to reduce supply leaking onto the black market.

Have a discussion with your GP/specialist if Keppra's not working well enough.

 

[Keif' Richards]

Hey OP! I'm so sorry to hear that you're dealing with seizures. I have personal experience and to this day struggle with episodic myoclonic seizures. I saw an epilepsy specialist and was told that I did not have epilepsy and that my case would be difficult to treat. They tried a variety of drugs on me including Levitiracetam (Keppra). My case is not typical, but I ended up on a combination of Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Pregabalin (Lyrica), the latter of which is a schedule 5 drug and has some abuse potential. We're not here to talk about how to abuse drugs or anything though.

Benzodiazepines are pretty commonly prescribed. Just like Phenobarbital, they work, but they are addictive and their beneficial effects are typically finite. This is a conversation that you've gotta have with your medical providers though. We definitely want to help you, but we are extremely wary of handing out medical advice, especially regarding an issue as serious as seizures.