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One medication per seizure type?
Thu, 02/01/2007 - 08:00Topic: Medication Issues
Hello, I have a 5 year old daugther that started with seizures last year. By looking at the information available on epilepsy and the way my daugther's seizures are, I found 3 different types of seizures on her that are present not at the same time but frequently: TONIC-CLONIC seizures that last no more than 1 minute, ACLONIC seizures usually at night lasting less than 15 seconds and ABSENCE SEIZURES probably on a daily basis for a few seconds. Right now, she is taking Trileptal and Atemperator but, I am not sure if the medication helps for these three types of seizures or she needs different ones or more medication. I am worry about the Atemperator because I know all Valproic Acids can create a significant increase on appetite and weight gain.
Can someone orient me on this, Thanks
Comments
Re: Hello, I am a 33 year old
Submitted by Jorge Lango on Sat, 2007-02-03 - 13:43
Hi Susan, thanks for the information. Initially my daugther was prescribed with Keppra but we found this medication is not recommended for kids under 16. So we looked for something more benign. So far, Trileptal is working good and does not interact with any other medication like Diatrin does. Atemperator is another Valproic Acid and I am trying to suspend this because I notice the appetite of my daugther increased drastically and also started gaining weight. I have been looking into the suplements products like seratonin enhancers or pH regulators (supergreen) to attack this problem not only on the seizure-control side but from the whole body balance. She is right now at the maximum dossage recomemded based on her age and weight, so I am worry because next step if seizures continue increasing will be to swith to a stronger medications.
I also took Tegretol when I was 12 and for 3 years I was a zombie as you said. Alternative medicine allowed me to stop medication and get rid of the seizures at all and that is what I am trying to do to my daugther, but now, the most important thing is to control the seizures with the correct medication on the correct dosis. Looks more like a trial-error procedure to me.
Jorge, I am taking
Submitted by Luisa on Sun, 2007-02-04 - 13:28
Jorge,
I am taking Tripleptal and have been seizure free for 5 years. I have also had a very healthy little girl and nursed on while on Trileptal. However, there are days that I feel a little zoombied out in the morning.
Do doctors prescribe medication based on weight? I have often asked my doctor if my small size would warrant lowering my dosage. But, my doctor seems to have little concern about anything besides seizure control and major side affects like deadly rashes.
He is thinking of switching me to Lamictal since I keep complaining about my cognitive abilities lately and my hormones.
Sorry for the long commentary. But, my questions is concerning alternative natural therapy for seizures. I have been very interested in a Holistic/homeopathic approach lately. Do you have any advise? Need help in making decision.
Thanks.
LA
Hello, I am a 33 year old
Submitted by aquila316 on Thu, 2007-02-01 - 11:24
Hello, I am a 33 year old female, and I had 2 kinds of sz's from the time I was born. Back then they were gran mal and petit mal (now Tonic Clonic and Absent) and was on Depakote (Valproic Acid) for both, which worked rather well. Over the years my sz's evolved to include Absent, Tonic Clonic, Simple, and Complex Partial. I was put on Tegretol for several years, and the side effects were miserable, then went without for about 8 years. I was recently put back on Depakote, and it is controlling all 4 types rather well, except for a few breakthrough sz's I get when my hormones are out of whack. It does cause weight gain, but diesn't make me feel like a zombie all the time, so I like it better than Tegretol for now. My other issue is a lack of prescription insurance coverage so I have to stay on a mdication that has a generic version. So far, so good, I don't really want to have to take more than one...one's bad enough. Hope this helps, Susan