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Dilantin to Lamictil for my daughter?
Mon, 11/06/2006 - 21:28Topic: Medication Issues
After 2 1/2 seizure-free years on Dilantin, we tried to wean my daughter off meds, with poor results. Her complex partial seizures returned. She's on 11 days back at her old dosage, but she has had 2 seizures the past 3 days, usually just before receiving her next dose. We're having her levels checked thinking that she outgrew her dosage over the past year. Once we have her stabilized, we'd like to try a new med with fewer side effects. From posts here, it seems like Lamictil is the best choice. Any thoughts? My daughter is now 6 and has no development issues or visible side effects from Dilantin to date.
Comments
Re: Re: Dilantin to Lamictil for my daughter?
Submitted by michelhead on Tue, 2006-11-07 - 11:55
Sometimes doctors try different treatments for various patients. What they list are only the approved uses from the FDA and how they think it should be administered. I have been on Lamictal for about 6 weeks and it shouldn't be used by itself for adults either unless they've switched from one of the approved drugs. I haven't done that and so far it seems to be working without side effects. While this isn't a guarentee that your child would be without side effects since everyone doesn't react the same way, I think it's definitely worth a discussion with his doctor. I think others also have luck with zonegran, trileptal so these may be good choices to. Again, go to your doctor with information that you have gathered on your own, but definitely seek their opinion as well. Good luck.
Re: Re: Re: Dilantin to Lamictil for my daughter?
Submitted by mikec2 on Tue, 2006-11-07 - 12:23
After being in status epilepitcus at of the blue at 43, my doc started me on Dilantin and then moved me to Lamictal after 3-4 months. Dilantin really doped me down and made me feel tired and goopy. I slowly shifted to Lamictal and I LOVE it. It even addressed anxiety and back pain in me, which my doc said are documented side benefits.
My understanding is that Lamictal is not a frontline treatment foe seizures, but my doc say if anyone has cognitive issues with Dilantin, and many do, he moves them to Lamictal pretty fast.
Of course, this may have no bearing on peds.
If anyone wants to weigh in on my post, "My Story" I'd appreciate it.
Re: Dilantin to Lamictil for my daughter?
Submitted by edhryb on Mon, 2006-11-06 - 21:45
I think I answered my own question as it looks like Lamictal is only used with other medictions in children, not on its own. Any other drug suggestions or experiences are appreciated.