26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
The shocking side effects of my prescription completely changed my personality
I was 21 and doing some work at university in Liverpool when I passed out on the floor. My friends called paramedics. When I woke up, I had no idea what had happened.
That was my first experience of having an epileptic seizure.
I wasn’t diagnosed with epilepsy until I had a second seizure a few months later. I wasn’t born with it and I don’t have a family history, so receiving that diagnosis in my early twenties was shocking. It completely changed my life.
I came away from my first neurologist’s appointment with more questions than answers. The only two things they could tell me were that my seizures were focal (so they started in one part of my brain and then spread) and that I had some kind of photosensitivity: my seizures are caused by blue light from screens.
My neurologist started me on a drug called Lamotrigine, which I had to increase week on week to build up to a target dose. I ended up having more seizures during this time, injuring myself and getting concussions, all while trying to stay on at university, do the work and keep my head above water.
I found myself getting angry and impatient, so I went back to the neurologist. He put me onto a much more aggressive medication, called levetiracetam.
Through the work I’ve since done with charity Epilepsy Action, I’ve learnt more about levetiracetam. It can be a really effective epilepsy medication as it stops seizures, but the side effects can be really extreme.
In my case, levetiracetam took me to a really, really low place mentally. I didn’t want to be awake or speak to anyone; dealing with the world was just too much.
And when I was conscious, I had violent mood swings, going from very happy to very, very sad, crying and all the rest of it. I punched a hole through a door in frustration. I developed a tick. The effects of levetiracetam completely changed my personality.
Eventually, I decided I’d rather have epileptic seizures than continue on as this completely different person. I not only chose to stop the levetiracetam but to stop taking any epilepsy medication at all – my plan was just to try and not look at screens.
The levetiracetam side effects gradually faded, and I wasn’t having seizures. Yet when I went back to my next neurology appointment, my consultant made it clear that the seizure risk was still there and I needed to be on something to prevent me seizing and hurting myself again.
For Sarah
Last year, on March 10, we lost our beloved colleague Sarah Whiteley. Sarah was a fantastic journalist; she was Metro’s parenting columnist and a valued member of our first-person and opinion desk.
Sarah died aged 39 from SUDEP – sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. It is thought that every year around 1,000 people die from causes related to epilepsy.
With support from Sarah’s family, Metro is fundraising for two very important charities: SUDEP Action and Epilepsy Action.
From March 10 to March 26, which marks Purple Day (epilepsy awareness day), we will be running a series of features and first-person pieces, raising awareness of epilepsy and SUDEP.
Sarah was so incredible at helping other people share their experiences; she was a born storyteller and we hope to do her proud with this series, while raising money in her memory.
Finding the right medication can be frustrating with any condition, but particularly with epilepsy. There is no one-size-fits-all drug or dose and levetiracetam is not the only anti-seizure medication that has side effects.
Then one drug may stop working for whatever reason so it can be a case of taking additional drugs while phasing the old one out. It can be very tempting to think that it’s not worth taking anything and not wanting to interact with the doctors, just as I did.
Yet side effects aside, medication is the most important factor for controlling seizures. Getting on top of it is the number one priority for anyone with epilepsy, and neurologists would say as much.
Ultimately, mine is a success story. Medication has now more or less helped to control my condition.
My neurologist put me back onto Lamotrigine and this time round I was more patient: I waited while my dose increased. By the time I reached my target amount, the drug really helped to control my seizures and I could finally start getting my life back on track.
The main battle for me has been to try and regain a bit of my old self-confidence, my self-esteem. I’ve always prided myself on being quite resilient and I derive a lot of self-worth from knowing that I can crack on and be responsible for myself.
For a long time I found it difficult to be treated as somebody with a disability, treated with kid gloves, having people pander to me. I’m very lucky to have that support network but at the same time I didn’t feel like quite myself.
Epilepsy Action
Epilepsy Action supports the 630,000 people with epilepsy every day through their helpline, information, groups and services.
The charity’s ambition is to create a world without limits with people with epilepsy. By raising awareness of the condition, too often misunderstood and invisible. By changing the narrative around it, collaborating with healthcare professionals and campaigning for better services. By working to get everyone in the UK to know what epilepsy is and how they can support.
You can donate to Epilepsy Action here.
For me, the key has been finding the things that fulfil me and make me feel like I’m a little bit in charge. I was able to go back and finish university, and I am now training to be a teacher. I’ve also got back into sport; I used to play rugby to a reasonable standard and thought epilepsy would be the end of that, but I’m playing again.
Helping others has also been instrumental. I started a charity in Liverpool called The Merseyside Collective, which facilitates sports events like football tournaments and five-a-side matches to help the mental and physical health of residents in the area. Our proceeds go towards sponsoring local urban regeneration and re-greening projects in Liverpool.
I help out with Epilepsy Action too, interacting with other people in support groups, especially men. Men’s mental health is so important anyway, and as much as I try to be responsible for myself, you have to be able to talk about what you’re going through, especially when it comes to epilepsy.
Men are reticent about talking but being very honest is really, really important. If I need extra support or provision, I don’t let myself feel ashamed of it. I ask for what I need and take up space.
Employers are getting increasingly better at accommodating epilepsy although I still have coping mechanisms of my own. Often I’ll jump in my bed and use my non-backlit tablet to read or work; I use blue light glasses to read off a screen and I take breaks every 20 minutes. At work, I try to let people know if something might affect how fast I can get things done, but that’s just the way it is.
The period I spent trying to get my epilepsy medication right was one of the darkest of my life. At one point I felt like my neurologists didn’t seem to know anything because there was nothing they could tell me, no new information they could offer. Getting medication sorted takes time but my condition is now more or less under control because of it.
I am not completely back to how I once was. I’ll never be able to do certain things – including joining the military, which had previously been my goal – and I do have to be very, very mindful of my lifestyle: I treat sleep like a second medication, it’s just so essential for me. But I am now two-years seizure free and able to drive again, which is a huge hurdle for lots of young people with epilepsy.
You can live a really full life with epilepsy, you just have to trust the process. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing jess.austin@metro.co.uk.
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Grab a blooming bargain with up to 40% off garden must-haves in Amazon’s Spring Sale
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Spring has sprung – and so have the Amazon Spring Deal Days – aka the perfect time to stock up on garden essentials ahead of the warmer weather.
Lasting until March 31st, this unmissable savings event marks the true start of spring, supplying you with unmissable offers on products your outdoor spaces need to dust away the winter cobwebs.
From lawn mowers and outdoor seating to weed killer and BBQs, we’ve found all the garden essentials that you need to shop now, with savings of up to 40% to take advantage of.
What better time to make your garden a haven again?
Flymo EasiGlide 360 Hover Collect Lawn Mower – 1800W Motor
Designed with a 10 metre cable, this mower gives you the freedom to tackle small and medium size lawns with ease. It boasts a powerful 1800W motor so you can save on time and effort, while the 36cm cutting width and 10-30mm cutting height ensures a neat and tidy finish to your lawn.
Miracle-Gro Evergreen Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Food – 200 m2
Ready to use, this Complete 4-in-1 Lawn Food leaves you lawn greener in just seven days, helping to rid your lawn of moss and weeds and grow your grass up stronger from the roots.
Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights 2, 30M
Fill your outdoor spaces with personalised colour with these Govee Smart Outdoor String Lights, now on offer for £40 less. Smart and controlled from your phone, these clever lights boast 47 scene modes and 16 million colours to illuminate your outdoor spaces.
Roundup Optima+ Total Weedkiller – Weedkiller 1l
If the garden weeds are getting out of hand, then take back control with this Roundup Weedkiller. Fast action and ready to use, this weed killer shows visible results in just four days, with weeds controlled within one to four weeks.
Weber Classic Kettle Charcoal Grill Barbecue, 57cm
With the first signs of spring finally here, it's arguably time to dust off the BBQ, and if you're in need of a new one then this is a deal not to miss. This classic charcoal grill has a built-in temperature gauge, heat-resistant bowl and lid, triple plated cooking grate, heavy-gauge steel fuel grate plus heat shield handle.
iBorn Metal Bird Feeder 6 Ports Hanging Wild Bird Seed Feeder
Treat the local birds to the perfect place to pick up a snack with this iBorn Metal Bird Feeder. The six feeding ports with perches allow for multiple birds to feed simultaneously, while the aluminium ports help to ensure minimal squirrel damage.
NETTA Hedge Trimmer and Cutter – 500W – 500mm Diamond Cutting Blade
Twigs and branches don't stand a chance with this highly-ratedNETTA 500W Corded Hedge Trimmer. The ideal tool for getting your garden into shape, it boasts a blade cutting length of 55cm and 16mm tooth openings for tackling small to medium bushes.
Straame Garden | Zero Gravity Chair | Set of 2
Make sure you're prepared for the first glimpses of sun with a new set of garden chairs. These zero gravity reclining chairs recline to 170 degrees so you can relax in total comfort. Plus, with extra-large armrests, you can rest your arms and enjoy your favourite drink or food with the included cup tray.
Keter City 113L Outdoor 96% recycled Small Balcony Garden Furniture Storage Box
Take charge of your small spaces with this Keter City outdoor storage box. Ideal for all your outdoor tools and equipment, this roomy box has a huge 113L capacity, set to keep your things dry and ventilated all year round.
Bosch High Pressure Washer UniversalAquatak
Save a huge £68 on this top-rated pressure washer from Bosch. This tool boasts powerful cleaning with a pressure of 135 bar, while the 3-in-1 nozzle combines a fan jet, rotary jet and point jet for versatile cleaning wherever you need it.
I can almost feel the sun already…
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are accurate at the time of publication.
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Hailey and Justin Bieber's pool terrace at $25m mansion as we've never seen it
Hailey and Justin Bieber’s incredible Beverly Hills home, worth $25 million, has staggering features. The Grammy Award-winning singer has a state-of-the-art recording studio which looks out onto their incredible pool terrace…
26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Billionaire LeBron James' $70m property portfolio – including 2 jaw-dropping LA mansions
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
This cult-status frizz-fighting hair treatment loved by JLo is now 23% off
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
The weather is finally warming up but April showers are on the way, and rainy days can wreak havoc with your hairstyle but, there is a solution.
Loved by celebrity stylists, Color Wow Dream Coat spray is the frizz-fighting treatment to solve your rainy day hair woes.
That’s right, this little silver bottle makes hair waterproof, leaving locks immune to frizz caused by humidity and damp weather.
Powered by weatherproofing ingredients that encapsulate the hair shaft, it stops water from penetrating the hair and causing frizz and unwanted texture.
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Nail the glass hair trend with this miracle treatment. A game changer for fighting frizz, it’s a lightweight, shine-boosting spray that’s suitable for all hair types.
Sprayed onto damp hair and then blow-dried, this miracle formula doesn’t leave any residue at all. It’s lightweight, non-greasy and non-sticky – it actually feels like there’s nothing in your hair. Brilliant if you have fine hair that’s easily weighed down by heavy products.
The frizz-fighting abilities are just one of the big pros of using Color Wow Dream Coat. It also gives hair killer shine. So, if you struggle with dry, dull hair or you routinely colour or heat style your locks and there’s visible damage, get yourself a bottle of this – it will restore shine immediately.
Don’t believe us? Take a look at the reviews. A previous buyer, named Romi, wrote: ‘Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is a game changer for anyone looking to achieve sleek, shiny, and frizz-free hair. This spray works like a magic potion, delivering a lightweight yet potent formula that transforms dry, frizzy strands into smooth, glossy locks.’
Another, called Ms A Diment, penned: ‘I have frizzy hair so never blow dry my hair as it makes it worse! I used this dried my hair not very well and it has a gloss I have never seen before ! Have had compliments on my mid length hair the day after too! Very impressed now I want to buy other products from this range!’
Reviewer, Obenewa, said: ‘This spray is so good for humid climates! As a curly girl that loves a silk press, this dream coat is my go to. It leaves my hair with a nice shine and prevents frizz.’
It’s also one of beauty expert Emma North’s favourite styling products: ‘If there’s even a hint of humidity, I turn into Friends’ Monica Geller in Barbados (It’s the humidity!) but a few spritzes of this before I blow dry and my hair stays smooth and shiny in the rain!’
Color Wow Dream Coat normally costs £27 but you can find it discounted by 34% on Amazon leaving the price just £17.95 for 100ml.
Whether you have long or short hair, don’t wait for the weather to get better before heading out because, let’s face it, it’s probably going to rain a whole lot more. But with this spray, at least your hair is safe.
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Don’t miss these amazing deals on hand-picked beauty products in Amazon’s Spring sale
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
Amazon might not be the first place you think of when shopping for new beauty products but thanks to its Spring Sale event, there are some real bargains to be found.
Whether you’re stocking up on favourites or fancy trying out cult-status products for the first time, the savings right now are unbeatable.
There are some seriously good brands on offer too including ColorWow, Real Techniques and Elemis.
As a proud beauty addict, I’m constantly trying the latest launches and buying my tried and tested favourites. Which is precisely what we’re doing here.
I have tested everyone of the products below to bring you only the very best that beauty has to offer. Never tried a few of these? Trust me, they’ll take up permanent space in your beauty stash as soon as you do.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3
If you’re yet to try the Medik8 range, you’re in for a treat, particularly with its Crystal Retinal 3. Formulated with vitamin A, expect to see an improvement to your skin’s texture, tone and glow. It also contains plenty of hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep skin moisturised and comforted. I recommend gradually building up to nightly use though as some can experience irritation if used too often.
Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil Refillable
Dry hair? Then make a beeline for this hair oil. It has an incredible texture that softens and hydrates strands, never leaving your hair greasy or weighed down. It’s one of my holy grail products that has stood the test of time since its original launch in 2010 and it’s since been repackaged to look even more chic on your dressing table – what’s not to love?
St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse
English sunshine isn’t always reliable and a real tan isn’t good for your skin so, try this phenomenal fake tan. Apply all over then leave on from 1-3 hours depending on how deep you like your tan to be, then wash off. Voila! A gorgeous faux glow that isn’t streaky or orange. Plus, it’s currently 63% off.
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum (100ml)
Spending Prime Day shopping for a new scent? With over 28,092 ratings on Amazon and 82% of those hitting five stars, Ariana Grande’s Cloud fragrance has earned itself a gold star from us. With notes of juicy pear, bergamot and coconut, it’s a delightfully sweet perfume that’s fruity and feminine.
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Cash in on a 38% discount of this essential body cream. CeraVe are the owners of some of the most reliable and hard-working skincare products on the market and Prime Day is the time to fill your bathroom cabinet. I love the non-sticky, non-greasy texture of this body cream and it sinks in straight away so you can get dressed immediately.
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Makeup Brush Set
No makeup bag refresh should be without new makeup brushes and this handy set from Real Techniques is currently 48% off. With essential brushes and a sponge to create a flawless makeup look, this Prime Day I’ll be adding to my makeup brush collection and saving myself some money.
ColorWow Dream Coat
Beloved by celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, who regularly uses it on the Kardashian sisters, the Dream Coat spray from ColorWow is going straight into my basket this Amazon Prime Day. Normally priced at £27, it can be yours for just £18.90. Acting as an anti-frizz, humidity shield for hair, I can’t live without this product (especially during this drizzly summer). Keep it on hand for hair wash days and to see the benefits, spritz your hair liberally before drying.
Murad Environmental Shield Essential-C Day Moisturiser SPF30
Daily SPF is essential to keep your skin looking youthful and healthy and this one from Murad is a gamechanger. Packed with skin-brightening vitamin C, not only does it protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, it actively encourages brighter, more even toned skin while you wear. It makes a great base under makeup too and it’s 32% off for Prime Day – ideal!
Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream
If you haven’t tried this shower cream yet, what have you been waiting for? With the most tropical, creamy, suncream-on-holiday scent, it’s indulgence at its best. Yes it costs a little more than your average shower cream but trust me when I say, once you’ve tried it you won’t be able to go without it and just for Amazon Pride Day, it’s 25% off.
L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara
Not all of us are lucky enough to be blessed with long lashes but thankfully you can purchase L’Oréal’s Telescopic Mascara this Prime Day and change all that. This lash-stretching formula binds to lashes to give them impressive volume, lift and length in just a few swipes. It’s now available at the bargain price of £7.79 when it normally costs £11.99. Time to replenish your lash stash?
You’ll need to be quick getting your hands on these beauty goodies though as Amazon Prime Day finishes this evening, at midnight (July 17) – so what are you waiting for?
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
My trusted ghd Original Styler has 20% off in Amazon’s Spring Deal Days
SHOPPING – Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this Metro article are selected by our shopping writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Metro.co.uk will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
ghd was the first hair brand I ever used. Honestly! And now you can snap up their iconic straighteners for less in the Amazon Spring Deal Days.
Back in the early noughties I saved all my birthday and Christmas money, did as many chores necessary to earn some pocket money, just to be able to buy my very own pair of ghd straighteners – and over 20 years later I still use them.
What I really needed was Amazon’s Spring Deal Days sale to save me weeks of doing the ironing, washing up and cleaning the car.
Amazon’s Spring Deal Days are here and to celebrate the major retailer has slashed the price of select ghd hair tools by up to 25% – including the Original Styler, which is my holy grail.
ghd The Original Styler
From the single zone ceramic floating plates to the one heat setting and compact design, there is nothing we don’t love about ghd’s Original Styler. The straighteners are easy to use, heat up in seconds and do not exceed 185 degrees to prevent excessive heat exposure.
The Original Styler remains my go-to hair tool as it glides through my long frizzy mane effortlessly, and instantly straightens the section of hair in seconds – without the need to run over the same strand of hair time and time again.
Not only does it straighten my hair, which holds for days on end unlike any other straighteners I have tried , but I can also create sleek waves and curls too.
What I love most about these straighteners, however, is how they minimise any frizz, tame flyaways and leave my hair silky smooth.
The easy-to-use tool has one power button you switch on and switch off, meaning there’s no need to adjust the temperature. Instead, it heats up to 185 degrees in a matter of seconds for optimal results.
Some may prefer adjustable heat settings, but I prefer this as it makes for a fuss-free experience, especially when I was a 13-year-old beauty novice.
The new generation single-zone ceramic technology helps to maintain an even temperature and run through the hair seamlessly without snagging any strays. The plates are also fitted with a smooth gloss coating, which is why the hair is left looking glass-like after use.
Another of the amazing features of the iconic ghd tool is the floating plates, which move ever so slightly to catch and style every strand of hair for a professional finish without any pesky flyaways.
I have long and fairly fine hair and the slimline plates do all the hard work for me, but the Original Styler even works on my mum’s ringlets, too.
The top-selling straighteners are lightweight, too, which not only combats any arm ache when styling long locks, but also makes them easy to pack away for travelling.
One Amazon shopper raved of the iconic tool: ‘I absolutely love the ghd straighteners. The heat settings are perfect, providing just the right amount of heat to straighten and style without causing any extreme heat damage.
‘It works wonderfully to create sleek, smooth, and soft hair with an impressive shine, just like you’d get from a professional salon. ‘
Another added: ‘I purchased these after retiring my old straightener, which lasted over 10 years, and upgrading to GHD is a game changer!
‘It’s reliable, easy to use, and delivers flawless results every time. If you’re looking for a high-quality straightener that combines performance with longevity, I’d highly recommend this one. It’s worth every penny!’
‘These straighteners work really well and are a replacement for an older pair ,only one heating so simple to use.’ Wrote a third.
The ghd Original Styler has currently been reduced to £109.99 down from £139.99, which is a deal that’s not to be passed up.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are accurate at the time of publication.
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Inside Demi Moore's multi-million dollar real estate portfolio – from Idaho nature reserve to luxe New York penthouse
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26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Morrisons is making a major change to all supermarket checkouts this weekend
Supermarket checkout changes are often met with criticism, but this update from Morrisons is likely to please parents shopping this weekend.
In celebration of Mother’s Day 2025, the retailer is opening mums-only checkout lanes across all supermarkets.
On March 30, Mothering Sunday only, the ‘Morri-mums’ checkouts will be available to mums, with assistants giving special treatment to these VIPs.
Checkout assistants will ‘offer to scan items at a speed to suit each individual mum and help with packing the shopping should mums wish them to.’
Staff will also offer to entertain bored kids by asking them to identify different sorts of supermarket products and inviting them to see how they operate the tills.
All 497 stores will have the Mums’ Lanes open this Sunday and, to sweeten the deal (pun intended), Morrisons will be giving away 50,000 boxes of Guylian chocolates at the mums-only tills, which is bound to raise a smile.
Gareth Lloyd, head of marketing events at Morrisons, said: ‘The reality is that many mums still end up doing chores like the weekly shop on Mother’s Day – even though it is supposed to be the day that they are spoiled!
‘Therefore, we’ve launched Mums’ Lanes in stores to give a little something back to all the mums shopping with us on their special day.’
Checkout changes, particularly those that involve reducing that amount of human contact, are often met with controversy by shoppers.
In January, M&S announced they’d be trailling smart checkouts, that calculate how much you owe, without you lifting a finger.
The big change meant all shoppers had to do is place their items on the till, which can identify what has put down and how much everything costs, thanks to a chip embedded in each product’s price tag.
But customers complained that it would make shopping a ‘sterile chore’.
Another said: ‘Not impressed! I refuse to use self checkout! I expect personal service.
A third said: ‘I’ll wait to deal with a real person on a checkout.’
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
26 Mar, 2025 | Admin | No Comments
Princess Anne returns to London home for immaculate appearance – and sparks unexpected reaction
Princess Anne, the Princess Royal looked poised and polished in an emerald green dress as she hosted the 40th Annual Butler Trust Awards at St James’s Palace on Tuesday – but her appearance surprised fans for an unexpected reasons as she reunited unexpectedly with her brother, King Charles