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Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Sat, 09/23/2006 - 09:41
I have been on Dilantin for 33+ years. My seizures have greatly increased in frequency. I am thankful, based on what many of you share on this site, that my seizures have been relatively infrequent. I have gone as long as 10 years without one. However, since turning 52, they have increased to one every three to four months. I went to a seizure specialist for the first time in my life. He is putting me on Lamictal with the plan of getting it regulated and then gradually removing the Dilantin. Has anyone gone through this before? If so, how was the transition. My research indicates it can be tricky. Thanks, Woody

Comments

Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by Seruzies on Tue, 2009-02-03 - 00:01
I am currently taking Lamictal and used to take Dilantin. Either way, with either drug I'm not happy with my seizure control. I know this topic is about adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin, but what about doing the reverse. Anyone have better seizure control adding Dilantin while taking Lamictal? Yes, I am going to talk to my Dr about it, but has anyone done this and had better seizure control with fewer side effects? I experienced nervousness when taking Dilantin before, but at this point in time, I'm willing to try just about anything, with approval from my Dr of course. The most important thing is controlling the frequency of my seizures.   

Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by afurgerson on Thu, 2010-08-05 - 11:25
I was on Lamictal for 4 years. I ws took off of it and put on Dilantin. Wow, now I really wonder about this!

Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by jubatum on Thu, 2009-03-19 - 10:32

I am probably of the few on here that have gone from dilantin to lamictal and now back to dilantin.

I remember feeling great going from dilantin to lamictal but then realized it was because I wasn't on enough of either medication.  Lamictal worked ok for me sz wise.. had none except for the one during that time when i felt great bc i wasn't on enough AEDs.   I slowly developed a lot of side effects that i was NOT willing to deal with.  I'm now going back on dilantin and it hasbeen tough.  My levels for those ten years were ok while taking 400mg/day. now the 400mg/day with the remaining 50mg AM/50mg/PM of lamictal are not great, My levels of dilantin are in the toxic range. I'm waiting to hear from the neuro today to see what to do.  I do not really want to try another drug. I know the side effects of dilantin within the normal range.  I'm willing to deal with those side effects..

like you .. control of sz's is key for me.

 

I am probably of the few on here that have gone from dilantin to lamictal and now back to dilantin.

I remember feeling great going from dilantin to lamictal but then realized it was because I wasn't on enough of either medication.  Lamictal worked ok for me sz wise.. had none except for the one during that time when i felt great bc i wasn't on enough AEDs.   I slowly developed a lot of side effects that i was NOT willing to deal with.  I'm now going back on dilantin and it hasbeen tough.  My levels for those ten years were ok while taking 400mg/day. now the 400mg/day with the remaining 50mg AM/50mg/PM of lamictal are not great, My levels of dilantin are in the toxic range. I'm waiting to hear from the neuro today to see what to do.  I do not really want to try another drug. I know the side effects of dilantin within the normal range.  I'm willing to deal with those side effects..

like you .. control of sz's is key for me.

 

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