Bereavement & epilepsy

[Lovelillieshatetroubles]

Hi, my parent has recently died. We were very close, I have been feeling a huge amount of trauma. I can't eat, the stress had triggered my epilepsy which isn't quite under control yet. The GP has refused to give me diazapam.
Does anybody know what I can do? Is there anything the neurologist would prescribe?

Bump

Anybody?

What meds are you currently on?

@AlphaAlpha lamotrigine

I would assume that any increase or new meds would need to be Rx by your neurologist, and GPS rarely dish out diazepam these days.
They will likely get you to try talking therapies/grief counselling.
Have you had you blood levels checked recently?

@AlphaAlpha grief counselling in this very early stage where everything is so raw? I could understand it later, but surely now is too soon?
No I haven't, what would I need my blood levels checked for?

Thank you for getting back to me.

I would ring the neurologist’s secretary and ask to be called back. Tell them how much you are struggling with the situation, both mentally and physically.

Good luck. I’m sorry for your loss 😔.

Thank you @MissingMoominMamma I just didn't know if the neurologist would/could do anything with it being temporary.
It just all feels really confusing to me at the moment, and the 10 minute lecture from the GP on the ins and out of diazapam didn't help. I don't take any other meds apart from lamotrigine, haven't ever asked for anything, I was meaning 3 or 4 tablets to allow me to eat, rest my mind slightly, 1 x 2mg per day. It certainly wouldn't make me addicted, it would take the edge off at best. The gp talked to me like I was after drugs & rang up weekly! There should be something that isn't addictive that they can give you instead. Therapy at this early stage seems ludicrous to me.

Pretty sure that even with lamotrigine, your blood should be tested every so often to ensure you are at the correct therapeutic dose level. Even slight fluctuations can result in an increase in epileptic activity.

I'm not a Dr or pharmacist (I am a HCP) but I wonder if perhaps a beta-blocker like propranolol could help you - as it has an instant affect - it helps with the general anxiety feelings by regulating your heart rate, suppressing the fight or flight/adrenaline response. It is not sedating at all.
Again this would likely be a conversation you would need to have with your specialist team.

@AlphaAlpha that's interesting to hear, the neurologist has never suggested a blood test. I'm in the UK, wonder if this depends on where you live. Propranolol doesn't agree with me, makes my blood pressure too low. Thank you.

Forgot to mention with every increase my symptoms have alleviated, no side effects etc. The neurologist has said if it platues than lanotrigine has done all it can do and he will introduce another tablet. I guess I was just seeing if there was anything short term to help me through until I feel abit better about things.

No blood tests needed with lamotrigine nor any of the modern anti epileptics.