Finding the Right Medication Combination

Having side effects with any medication is inevitable unless you luck out. However, my medications really didn't start to give me any issues, per se. It was the long-term side effects that started to concern me.

I began to search and ask my healthcare professional about my medication's side effects. The goal for me (in the future) is to have children. And one of my medications will not allow that successfully.

My current medication combination for epilepsy

The medications I am currently on are a bit of a combination. I am taking phenobarbital, zonisamide, and lacosamide. So far I've been on this combination for a little over a month. Each medication combo is different and comes with little to no side effects. It really depends on how your body takes the new medication. My last medication combo was phenobarbital and zonisamide. For me, this combo came with little to no side effects.

I do experience weight loss with zonisamide, but it isn't drastic for me. I stay between the same 10 to 15 pounds. And with phenobarbital, my doctor has told me it can cause decreased bone density. When I broke my foot in March, that could have been why. And my doctor has told me that this medication is not good to take while carrying a child.

My daily side effects

With this combination, I experience side effects daily. My body lets me know when I need to take my medication. I start feeling tired and shaky out of the blue. Like my arms and hands start to shake. I had never had this side effect before until I got on this combination of medications.

Now I have to carry my meds with me. Just in case I need to take my medication on the go! Oh gosh, my memory is really bad with this combination, too. I have a pill box I use daily now. I did not need that with the other combination.

Working with my doctor

Once I started experiencing memory loss and my arms shaking, I felt like it was time to contact my healthcare provider. I explained that I did not have these side effects before this combination.

My doctor is thorough and understanding. She set up an appointment for me so we could discuss our next move with my medications. The goal is for me to feel as normal as possible while taking my medication. If I do not feel normal, then it has to be adjusted.

Adjusting epilepsy medication combinations

Medication is a way to help with any sickness. Oftentimes, it is a process to find the right dosage and medication combination. The medication has to agree with your body and make you feel as normal as possible. There might be a lot of trials and eras, but do not give up on finding the right combination for you.

I want my medication to make me feel like I am not on a medication. Basically, like I'm myself. If a medication is causing too many side effects or brand new ones, I contact my provider.