“One was losing balance. I was always an athlete growing up. Then, I fell and couldn't even play golf. I was completely off balance. So I stopped being physically active, gained a lot of weight, and experienced mood swings that were difficult for me and those around me to deal with.”
The neurologist suggested Collins return to his own care, which in many ways was a turning point in his life. He learned that eye twitching, which affects his ability to concentrate, read and focus, may be due to drugs.
He asked me how I was able to work because the last five years had been really stressful and difficult, and I simply responded, ‘I’m just exhausted,’” says Collins.
Although everyone reacts differently to medications, the neurologist switched his medication to Lamotrigine, also known as Lamictal, which was incredibly effective.
“Within a month it was as if someone had taken the black hood off me and my head and I could see again. So that was profound. Since then, I’ve lost 35 pounds, gotten back to a very active lifestyle, and gotten back into sports.”
Collins emphasizes the importance of understanding the complications and side effects of recommended medications and discussing possible new medications with regular follow-up and re-evaluation with your specialist.
Some patients may be able to stop their seizure medications after being seizure-free for two to five years, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. The longer you remain seizure-free despite taking medication, the more likely you are to stop taking it. There is hope for children too. More than 50 out of 100 children will outgrow epilepsy. For adults, it is estimated that 20 years after diagnosis, 75 out of 100 will be seizure-free for at least 5 years. However, some may still need to take medication every day.