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depakote
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 18:00Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Youth
My daughter was diaganosed with photo generalized compulsive epilepsy. We tried the lamictal deal. My daughter broke out in a rash, and developed a blister on her lip... Immediately removed her from drug.. She is now on Depakote 250mg 2 pills twice a day.... She is very irretable, very sleepy, very mean at times. I am really upset with reading side effects .. So, could i have more info on this .. I am reading things from a while back. So, if anyone out there can give me input. Suicidal issues? is this with depekote... My daughter is 11. Been on depakote since june.. She was having up to 25 fluttering with the eyes, rolling back of the eyes, head tilt back, only for a matter of seconds... Since the depakote, i haven't noticed as many, but had her outside on a sunny day.. and got sick to my stomach watching her have many episodes one after antother... I thought in my heart this was truely making them go away, and seeing her do this again... I am really wondering if it is even working at all.... She doesn't want to get up in the morn for school... I put her to bed at 830, and get her up at 630, she is non functionable... I was told she is falling asleep in school.... I am very upset to learn that i may be wasting her time taking this drug... Any input would be GREATLY appreciated.... you can even email me at tbelfast@zoominternet.net... I alway check my email there.... HELP
Comments
Re: depakote
Submitted by KatlynS on Tue, 2009-12-22 - 03:21
Seek emergency medical attention if the person taking Depakote has nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite, low fever, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). These symptoms may be early signs of liver damage. Some of these symptoms may also be early signs of pancreatitis. Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Depakote: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Depakote can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Depakote can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun. You should read more about the drugs so that you will be able to help your daughter without using any payday loan.
Re: depakote
Submitted by tml on Tue, 2009-12-22 - 02:38
Hi!!
My daughter just turned 5, was diagnosed with epilepsy since almost 2.5 years of age. She has tried Lamictal. The first time, and she broke out on a rash. Her neurologist told me to stop the medication immediately. He then asked me if I want to try the Lamictal again, at a lower dose before switching to other medications. I agreed to have my daughter tried the Lamictal again, and of course she was doing okay the second time, without any rash. However, she was on the Lamictal for 6 months with the gradual increase of the dosage, but my daughter's seizures did not stop.
Last august 2009, we had an overnight video EEG done at UCSF. The neurologist there felt that my daughter would benefit from Depakote and Lamictal.
The first day she was two 2 Lamictal (50mg) daily and 2 Depakote daily (250mg), her seizures increased, and I was concerned and notified the neurologist right away. He immediately reduced the Lamictal dosage down to 1 (25mg) in the morning and kept 50mg Lamictal at night, which was so helpful because she wasn't seizing uncontrollably. However, she was always tired and sleepy that she couldn't do anything. After one week seeing her being so non-functional, I told the neurologist and he reduced the dosage of Depakote in the morning to 1, instead of 2, which helped tremendously. Her seizures are under controlled and she's functioning like a regular child...getting up, going to school, play, and run about instead sleeping all the time.
My suggestion to you is to consult with your child's doctor about perhaps reducing the dose of the Depakote. The doctor needs find a balance of the meds to help your child. I hope this helps and I wish you and your child all the best as you try and find a balance to help your child control the seizures and live a regular life. Good luck and God bless.
tml
Hi!!
My daughter just turned 5, was diagnosed with epilepsy since almost 2.5 years of age. She has tried Lamictal. The first time, and she broke out on a rash. Her neurologist told me to stop the medication immediately. He then asked me if I want to try the Lamictal again, at a lower dose before switching to other medications. I agreed to have my daughter tried the Lamictal again, and of course she was doing okay the second time, without any rash. However, she was on the Lamictal for 6 months with the gradual increase of the dosage, but my daughter's seizures did not stop.
Last august 2009, we had an overnight video EEG done at UCSF. The neurologist there felt that my daughter would benefit from Depakote and Lamictal.
The first day she was two 2 Lamictal (50mg) daily and 2 Depakote daily (250mg), her seizures increased, and I was concerned and notified the neurologist right away. He immediately reduced the Lamictal dosage down to 1 (25mg) in the morning and kept 50mg Lamictal at night, which was so helpful because she wasn't seizing uncontrollably. However, she was always tired and sleepy that she couldn't do anything. After one week seeing her being so non-functional, I told the neurologist and he reduced the dosage of Depakote in the morning to 1, instead of 2, which helped tremendously. Her seizures are under controlled and she's functioning like a regular child...getting up, going to school, play, and run about instead sleeping all the time.
My suggestion to you is to consult with your child's doctor about perhaps reducing the dose of the Depakote. The doctor needs find a balance of the meds to help your child. I hope this helps and I wish you and your child all the best as you try and find a balance to help your child control the seizures and live a regular life. Good luck and God bless.
tml