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First time grand mal at 41
Wed, 01/20/2016 - 23:59Topic: Medication Issues
Hi, I am 41, Male, Indian. I had my first time epileptic seizure 1 month back at night sleep, my shoulder was dislocated, was unconscious for one hour. Later after 2days, consulted a neurologist and he prescribed me *DICORATE ER 500(DIPAKOTE)* one per day at night. I have read some serious side effects of this drug, few questions I have are
1) is it ok to take 500 mg in one dose
2) are the side effects too serious, any precautions that can be taken?
3) Any alternative drug with same content as this
4) as my. Shoulder broaken Will epilepsy complicate surgery to make shoulder alright?*Appreciate any guidance/help.
Thanks
Sripad
The medication is good and I
Submitted by just_joe on Thu, 2016-01-21 - 13:06
The medication is good and I once too it/ The neurologist is starting the medication at a rate he knows works. They will generally use a medication that they have a patient on and the dosage too. All meds have side effects. You may read a lot about this or that side effect. But understand that meds for seizure control are nothing like aspirin where once it is taken it is gone after a few hours. Seizure medications build up in your body to the therapeutic levels the neurologist wants them.. It takes the body time to get used to the medication and during that time period there MIGHT be side effects. Side effects do happen but they happen to 5-8% of the people taking it. So for every post you read about the meds not working or this side effect there are 92-95% of the people taking it that have no problems and it works to control their seizures. Inform all your doctors of ANY and ALL medications you take which also includes over the counter meds. That way the doctors know which meds they can give you that will not counter the meds you are taking for any and all medical issues. I had knee surgery and had no problems. ER means extended release. If it is taken 1 time a day then please make sure that time is the same time everyday. It helps because a delay could cause a break thru seizure could happen.