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Changed to Dilantin & Keppra
Wed, 06/30/2004 - 18:37Topic: Family & Friends
I was taking Dilantin and Depakote (having tremors), and asked the doctor today to switch to something else.He made the switch to Dilantin & Keppra. Anybody else taking this?He also told me today that the California DMV requires a driver to wait 6 months to drive after having a seizure. (I had one in April.)
Comments
RE: Changed to Dilantin & Keppra
Submitted by eghawk on Mon, 2004-06-28 - 22:07
I have taken the dilantin for several years and my doctor recommenended using Keppra as I was having some minor seizures. It didn't work at all for me and I actually had 2 grand-mal seizures. I do know some people that are on this combination and they seem to be doing quiti well.As for the 6 months driving in california, your doctor is correct on the 6 months rule. You need to make sure that you get the correct paperwork from the safety office at the DMV and have get everything filled out. I had a problem whereby they wouldn't begin the 6 month count until they had heard from my doctor even though my seizure had been a month before. Just something you might want to look into rather then waiting for the 6 months to end yourself. Also the DMV and their safety offic are not connected and actually run on different computer systems (as of about 1 year ago). Therefore changing information with one does not update the other and I had some problems with cross-communication when it came time to get my liscense back. Hope this helps...
RE: Changed to Dilantin & Keppra
Submitted by karenzim on Tue, 2004-06-29 - 18:16
Hi! I was on that exact combo until recently. Keppra I hear is really great for some, but it sent me into major clinical depression-- the real thing. I was weaning off it with dr's help and I guess I weaned that last half pill too fast while waiting for the doc's appt and had a grand mal-- my first in 2 yrs and my first since on Keppra-- in the park! (How dignifying!) So now I can't drive for a few months anyway. In Illinois we don't have a specific time, dr uses own judgmt, but I'd guess mine will probably say no more driving ever. But you know it's only for your own gd. Whenever I see these news stories about drivers who pass out at the wheel I shudder and pray for me! So better no driving than driving and doing something dangerous!
RE: Changed to Dilantin & Keppra
Submitted by michael46 on Mon, 2004-06-28 - 15:00
I'm presently participating in a "double blind study" that has me taking both Dilantin and Keppra (Keppra being added to my already existing diet of Dilantin). I've experienced absolutely no change in seizure activity nor have I experienced any side effects. It should be noted also that due to the nature of this study, I may be taking a placebo. mhailey@telus.net