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Changing Meds for JME
Tue, 08/29/2006 - 21:30Topic: Medication Issues
Hi
I'm new to this site and am so thankful for how helpful it has been. I'm a 27 f and was diagnosed with JME when I was 16. Am currently taking 750 mg of Depakote and have had excellent seizure control-not one in 11 years! However, the Depakote has messed with my hormones in a BIG way...I don't get a period at all, I am sluggish and tired quite often, I feel foggy and unable to focus on tasks for very long, and I suffer from the extra 10-20 pounds of bloat that many other people do. I'm going to my neuro to change meds. He has suggested Keppra or Topomax, but from what I've read, they are only successful as adjunctive therapy. Has anyone changed meds successfully who has JME? I hate to mess with therapy that has worked for my brain so well, but I'm miserable from the Depakote. I'm scared out of my mind to change in case I lose seizure control. I'm curious to know if others have these same challenges and what they have done. Thanks!
Comments
Re: Changing Meds for JME
Submitted by frogwyf on Sat, 2006-10-14 - 10:20
Hi, my daughter took Depakote for JME for about 6 months. Worked great, but hello weight gain, and thinner hair. She switched very easily and very successfully to Zonegran (300mg/night). Lost 10 lbs, no hair loss, no seizures. So you might want to look into it! Good luck.
:)
Re: Re: Changing Meds for JME
Submitted by Ssuuzzyy on Tue, 2006-09-19 - 10:57
Mom of 16 yr old boy diagnosed with JME in Nov 2005. Bjoy: Our neurologist recently told us that apparently there is now evidence that Keppra (I believe) is effective against the mycolonic jerks for JME. Depakote is still the first choice but if that doesn't work Keppra may be now be an option. I am glad to hear that the Depakote has been effective for you for so long as my son has only been on it for 10 months, albeit with good success. It gives me hope for the long term. Good luck!