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Switching from Dilantin to Lamictal

Fri, 01/05/2007 - 18:25
I have been on Dilantin for 10 yrs and in the past year or so I have been experiencing severe long term side effects, I know 10 yrs is not a long time in comparison to some, but its long enough that I have trouble walking at times. I have had numbness, tingling, weakness, burning feet sensations, headaches, pins and needles and a few other side effects I'm switching from dilantin to lamictal and I am wondering if anyone has done that successfully??? My neuro says once I'm off dilantin I'll feel like I'm lifted out of a fog. Can anyone back that up?? I've started the transition already, I'm still slowly increasing the lamictal, and to be honest I'm excited but scared..

Comments

Re: Switching from Dilantin to Lamictal

Submitted by crashbeth on Fri, 2007-01-05 - 18:33
I had been on dilantin for around 8 years and was having problems. I am now on lamictal and the transition has been smooth. Whatever you do, don't mess with the dosing schedule. I did and was itchy, red and tingly for a couple of weeks. Lamictal does work and after being off dilantin I feel TONS better. I used to be indecisive; but now I'm not so sure. I think.

Re: Re: Switching from Dilantin to Lamictal

Submitted by die-lantin on Fri, 2007-01-05 - 18:42
thanks crashbeth :) I've been seizure free for 10 yrs too, and I really don't want to have any (who does!) Has Lamictal been effective?

Re: Re: Re: Switching from Dilantin to Lamictal

Submitted by crashbeth on Fri, 2007-01-05 - 19:51
I've never been seizure free. I've gone a couple of months without one but I've never been able to control them. Lamictal for me has helped and the side effects are much better than any of the other meds I have been on. For me, it's quality of life not being drugged so much that I can't enjoy life. I used to be indecisive; but now I'm not so sure. I think.

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