Steroids and epilepsy?

[sponger246]

Im on two drugs for my epilepsy, Keppra and Lamictal. Everything has been under control for about 2 years now. Ive just been tired lately but thats from the drugs.

Im looking at doing a cycle this winter with just Test for 12 weeks.

Any complications here?

thanks

[IronCross]

Found this on the net. Pay particular attention to the third paragraph last sentence. It's all I could find quickly, but I will try and do some more research. If you do decide to start a cycle you may want to have some blood work done to track AED levels. Screwing up two years of stability would be bad! IMO

How Epilepsy Medications Affect Exercise
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common treatment for epilepsy and seizures, but most have side effects that cause fatigue and tiredness, which is a problem for active people. Other side effects--blurred or double vision, concentration difficulty, and impaired coordination--can also influence sports performance.

Some medications can contribute to poor physical fitness. Valproic acid and lamotrigine may cause weight gain, but a regular exercise program may cancel this effect. Antiepileptic drug selection must consider individual concerns.

Physical training appears to affect blood levels of certain AEDs. Thus, blood AED levels of people who have regular exercise programs should be monitored, especially in the first few months of training. Additionally, athletes who have epilepsy should avoid anabolic steroids because they may alter AED blood levels.

For people who have had surgery for epilepsy, a rule of thumb for returning to exercise is to start gradually and avoid contact sports for 12 months. Preventing head trauma is essential, because the skull takes a long time to heal. Likewise, for people who have had vagus nerve stimulation, neck protection is essential to prevent damage to the generator pack and injury to the nerve.

[sponger246]

Thanks for the info Iron.

Right now I am having blood work done every 3-6 months to check AED levels. When I first started the medications, I was checked every 2 weeks with my Dr. knowing that I trained hard and heavy. I guess I'll look around to see if I can find anything else.

[IronCross]

Glad to help!

[liftsiron]

Surgery for Epilepsy requires cutting completely through the brain separating the two hemispheres, this is only done in the very most severe cases. I know several bodybuilders with controlled Epilepsy who use w/o problems.

[sponger246]

Thanks liftsiron, sounds good

[lottalead]

Originally Posted by liftsiron

Surgery for Epilepsy requires cutting completely through the brain separating the two hemispheres, this is only done in the very most severe cases. I know several bodybuilders with controlled Epilepsy who use w/o problems.

and i am one of them---------although i only do short cycles
but no problems!