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switching from Dilantin to Lacmital

Sun, 05/21/2006 - 08:29
I had epilepsy and the doctors have me on Dilantin but because of my mood disorder they want me to switch from Dilantin to Lamictal . I've been blessed by not having any grand mal seizures in the last 2 years so I'm afraid come back gain.Has anyone had bad experience or good experience by switching from Dilantin to Lacmital?

Comments

Re: switching from Dilantin to Lacmital

Submitted by coolcanadian on Mon, 2006-05-22 - 21:53
Hi Perla. I went over to Lamictal nearly two years ago. I insisted to my neuro that Dilantin was making me so irritable my marriage and my job were at risk. There's so many positives for me. I don't have the mood swings I used to have (no wonder it's prescribed for bipolar disorder). I have more energy. I'm more clear headed. Even my libido is back after Dilantin killed it. Above all else seizures are well under control. Short term memory is better, but still impaired. I do have to make sure I don't take it later than mid-afternoon, or I toss and turn all night. Worst of all is the cost. GlaxoSmithKline did a good job with Lamictal, but the cost is outrageous. Without insurance, a month's supply would have been nearly $500 a month. If you do have a hard time coming up with the cash, go to their website (gsk.com) and look up the Bridges to Access program. Best of luck! Hope you do as well with it as I have. Keep us posted as you switch over. Keep smilin'- marko

Re: Re: switching from Dilantin to Lacmital

Submitted by Perla78 on Sat, 2006-07-08 - 19:31
Hi Marko, I've not switched. Dilantin has worked pretty good for me.I do not want to put my job at risk. I live by myself. because I am scared to death that I will have have a seizure. Perla

Re: Re: switching from Dilantin to Lacmital

Submitted by woodycoggin on Mon, 2006-09-25 - 02:44
How did your transition go? Particularly, how did the time when you were coming off of Dilantin go? What was your normal seizure frequency and was it different while coming off of Dilantin? Also, how much Lamictal did you take with Dilantin and how much with no Dilantin? Sorry for so many questions but I am in the process of starting Lamictal and trying to find out all I can. Thanks

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