Contraception with epilepsy

[arianwe]

So I was recently diagnosed with epilepsy after having my first seizure during pregnancy and then having a couple more since.

My baby is now 4 months old and I thought probably time to go on the pill. So I google it and apparently it can be a bit of an issue going on the pill with seizure medication (currently on Lamotrigine) as hormonal contraceptives lower the levels of lamotrigine and can cause breakthrough seizures (something along the lines of that anyway).

Anyone else on seizure medication, and if so, what contraception do you use??

Hello, diagnosed with epilepsy at age 9, 17 years ago.
I was taking carbamazapine for about 15 years and was told I can’t use anything other than the coil or the injections.
I didn’t want the coil, the nurse put me right off so opted for the injections. Took them for almost a year with constant bleeding, so it was deemed inappropriate for me, so it’s been condoms for us ever since!
Maybe speak to your gp about your options. X

Oh no, I thought there would be limited options!! Will ring doctor next week.

I might try the injection when they start doing them again!! Hopefully won't cause constant bleeding. The coil sounds horrific. I've had friends that have told me it's so painful to have put in.

My partner won't be happy if it's condoms for the next 20 years. Maybe I'll nag him to have the snip 😂.

Thank you x

From what I hear on here about the injections most people didn’t have that problem, think it’s usually okay, it does take a while for your body to get used to, bleeding is common for the first three months, but it’s meant to settle after that, mine just never did!

You could discuss with your gp the medication you are on and types of contaception possible. It might be worth looking at the below site: www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/daily-life/sex/contraception#hormonal

I developed epilepsy 3 years ago aged 42, and currently take lamotragine and keppra. My seizures seems to kick off with hormone changes/period timings, so we looked to the progesterone only mini pill to help with the hormone drop off. It doesn’t seem to interact with the lamotragine. The interactions were discussed at the time, but it seems that it is likely a tiny chance of lowering the levels. So in my experience the mini pill hasn’t effected the lamotragine at all. I haven’t had a seizure since being on this mix, touch wood.

I was in the same boat as you OP. Started on lamotragine & the depo but lamotragine didn't work anyway so ended up on Keppra & depo. Now I'm on keppra still (epilepsy meds working now) & taking the progesterone only pill.

I was in the same boat as you OP. Started on lamotragine & the depo but lamotragine didn't work anyway so ended up on Keppra & depo. Now I'm on keppra still (epilepsy meds working now) & taking the progesterone only pill.

Great, thanks everyone! Hopefully doctor will suggest the mini pill when I finally get round to ringing!