Psychotropics and Seizures?

[Twitch]

Is it possible for Psychotropics to escalate the developemnt or intensify the appearance of seizures? (Specifically ones that occur in the Parietal lobe?)

Twitch

[null0trooper]

Is it possible for Psychotropics to escalate the developemnt or intensify the appearance of seizures? (Specifically ones that occur in the Parietal lobe?)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I assume you are referring to psychotropics as in designer and natural

phenethylamines, tryptamines, etc.?  Many of the hallucinogens come with

a significant risk of serotonin syndrome and its complications. So if you

count myoclonics - definitely.

If you are just interested in epilepsy and med/drug-induced sz - I don't know

for certain, to the extent that there is a kindling effect it may not care how

it got the extra help.

Can a psychedelic complicate matters before, during, and after? Oh hell yes.

Been there, done that (med-induced), and remember far more than I care to.

[AirMarshall]

I'm not sure that I can fullly answer your two questions.

Some prescription crazy meds may lower the seizure threshold, even counteracting other meds being taken as anti-seizure meds.

[Twitch]

Thanks AM and null0trooper.

I'm sorry for being so general; I didn't think it would be helpful to go into too much detail. I just wanted to see if it would be possible for "crazy meds" (that's what I meant by "psychotropics", I really need to be more specific :embarassed:) to induce (more specifically Parietal lobe) seizures.

No, I'm not talking about illicit or illegal drugs. I am actually not diagnosed with Epilepsy, and already have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. I took a large amount of different types of Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Stimulants and Benzos. During meds I was diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope, which looked like seizures. But for the past seven months it's been prominent that symptoms could be in result of Simple Partial Seizures instead of/with NC syncope.

So I was just wondering if maybe they had a connection.

Twitch

[AirMarshall]

Ok,

Yeah, now you mentioned something that I skipped over the first time.  Which is medications causing seizures in specific parts of the brain. 

Haven't heard of that, but I must state that other than what I've picked up on this board I have no detailed knowledge on epilepsy.

Other, than having a cocker spaniel who had seizures in his old age....and we gave him a spoon full of honey after he had a seizure.  That's what the old timers told us to do.   

A.M.

[null0trooper]

No, I'm not talking about illicit or illegal drugs.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By the way, not all of the hallucinogens, deleriants, and herbal MAOIs are

illicit/illegal.  And of course, being illegal in one country doesn't make them

illegal in all countries (although the US and the UN have trouble understanding

  this )

Anyway...

I am actually not diagnosed with Epilepsy, and already have a diagnosis of Schizophrenia. I took a large amount of different types of Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Stimulants and Benzos. During meds I was diagnosed with Neurocardiogenic Syncope, which looked like seizures. But for the past seven months it's been prominent that symptoms could be in result of Simple Partial Seizures instead of/with NC syncope.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It would be tempting to rule out the benzos, as some are used in treating

seizures. However, sudden discontinuation after significant use or misuse can

cause or worsen seizures.

The antipsychotics and SSRIs predominantly act on or through the serotonin

system(s). Alone in sensitive individuals or in combination with other

serotonergic drugs (incl. MAOIs) there is a risk of serotonin syndrome, which

in turn can have myoclonus as a symptom.  Someone who knows more about

epilepsy can chime in, but I *think* that telling the difference between myoclonus

and simple partials would require an EEG. 

Hallucinations can also occur as a part of serotonin syndrome, and might

present much like a long-running complex partial seizure. Note: I'm

fairly certain this is restricted to high dosages/overdosage, risky medication

combinations, and sensitive individuals. But it should be a decent starting point

for research.

As A.M. originally posted, numerous ADs and stimulants have been reported

to lower an individual's seizure threshold. Of these, bupropion is the most

notorious, and that's one of the reasons it's far more commonly prescribed

in extended-release. So can insufficient sleep, excess stress, bad eating habits,

and so forth...

That's really about all I know. I do not know if myoclonus or the other dystonias

can eventually kindle to 'look at the spindles on that EEG!' simple partial seizures

(I suspect not), just that they can look and feel like the common descriptions

of seizures.

[AirMarshall]

Thanks Nullo.

Ok Twitch,

You had me rather curious because I have never heard of neurocardio syncope.    Syncope of course means fainting or loss of consciousness.

So a quick check finds that NCS is simply another name for good 'ole Vasovagal Syncope, or fainting that is usually related to body position, such as suddenly standing.

There is some simple testing that is done to diagnose vasovagal syncope, which is called a Tilt Table test.  You lay on a table that is slowly tilted at different angles and directions while they monitor for fainting. Have you had any of this?   

My understanding is that there are meds that can help stabilize blood pressure to prevent syncope.

http://www.ndrf.org/ParoxymalAutonomicSyncope.htm

American Heart Association:

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4749

The American Heart Association mentions EKG testing to check for heart arrythmias. Some of our crazy meds can cause heart arrythmias.

They also mention in passing that  "If the syncope is prolonged, it can trigger a seizure." I would tend to attribute this to oxygen deprivation. 

Let us know how it works out. 

Cheers,  A.M.

[Twitch]

The antipsychotics and SSRIs predominantly act on or through the serotonin

system(s). Alone in sensitive individuals or in combination with other

serotonergic drugs (incl. MAOIs) there is a risk of serotonin syndrome, which

in turn can have myoclonus as a symptom.

[AirMarshall]

Alright Twitch.  That all makes me feel better about the situation. You seem to be pretty knowledgeable and a have had good care.

I agree with your logic. Pursuing an EEG sound emminently reasonable. The symptoms you describe don't jibe with syncope.   

I would suggest that if you aren't already, start keeping a very detailed log of meds, perceptions, syncope incidents. Basically start keeping a log for epilepsy.  You might check the varios epilepsy sites and see if they have tailored logs.

The log could help document everything and overcome that prejudice that otherwise might delay treatment. You've always struck me as calm and factual, but you know they can always attribute complaints to things like "oh it's the MI, the meds, bad sleep, hystrionics".. etc.

Hope you get the answers you need.

A.M.