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depakote to lamictal to depakote???
Mon, 06/05/2006 - 00:57Topic: Medication Issues
My 16 year old son had been on Depakote ER since he was 2 years old. His seizures were very well controlled unless he were to hit his head then he would have a grand mal seizure. When he reached puberty he gradually gained weight. He got up to 215 lbs. and he's only 5'10". He never exercised and he ate a lot! We decided to change his meds to lamictal (900 mg.), work with a personal trainer 3 times a week, and change his eating habits. He currently weighs 192lbs and looks great and his self esteem is so much better! BUT he's had 4 breakthrough seizures - the last seizure resulted in a horrible faceplant and I was sick to my stomach when I saw him; I felt so guilty. He also started having double vision and his mouth is dry all the time. His Dr. recommended he try Keppra or Zonegran. I want him to go back to the Depakote ER and this time we will do all we can to help him maintain his weight. Does being on Depakote mean you will gain weight inspite of diet and exercise? He obviously doesn't want to have anymore seizures, but he's afraid he'll put the pounds back on. Plus, I don't like what I've been reading on Zonegran or Keppra. I am sitting on the fence on what to do.
Comments
Re: depakote to lamictal to depakote???
Submitted by ncfrog on Fri, 2006-06-16 - 11:13
I am in the same situation that your son is in. I have tried every medication in the book. Here is what i have found out. If the medication works use it. I have made many medications changes over this past year. I started on Depakote went to Topomax then to Lamictal. Topomax was no good it helped loose weight 30 pounds but it, wreacked havoc on my emotional state. I switched to Lamictal and I have had 5 breakthrough grand mal seizures in the past 6 months. I was almost seizure free for 5 years. So I am going back to the Depakote, it works for me and I know it will work again. I do know like you said that it will be important to watch my diet and exercise. I just wanted to share with you that if you find a medication that works chances are you may want to go back to it if you want to be able to lead a somewhat normal life. I know I struggle with my my weight when I am on that medication as well, but this time around my husband and I are going to take a more proactive choice. I want you to know that you are not the only one who has had to deal with this. I was up to 600 mg of Lamictal and it was not enough and after going to the Dr. and the next day having another seizure, I am convinced that I need to go back to the Depakote.
Re: Re: depakote to lamictal to depakote???
Submitted by stamp on Sat, 2006-06-17 - 17:47
Hey I was convinsing my self to go back to depokote.
For a couple weeks I was on 200mg of lamactal three times aday,
Plus keppra. Now I am down on keppra and I am only taking 150 mg of lamictal 2x ady
But yes I am re startting the depokote , but this time it is depokote ER
and the keppra is down too.
keppra was never a fun meddicine
Re: Hi SammiSnail... Thank you
Submitted by stamp on Tue, 2006-06-13 - 18:01
hey, How are you? I did talk to you once before, When you mentioned tingling of the feet it caught my attention, it seems like I get the fealling that my foot or hand is a sleep more oftern than before. Or a tingaling sensation as you call it. I am the one you talked to before about the depokote keppra lamactal and back to depokote situation Have a great one