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Tremors

Thu, 06/17/2004 - 17:34
I am taking 1,000 mg Depakote ER and 400 - 500 mg Dilantin daily. The last seizure was 4/20/04 (which was when they increased my Depakote ER from 500 to 1000). I now have tremors. I had a blood level done yesterday and the Dilantin level is 19.7 (acceptable because "normal" is between 10-20) and the Depakote level is 49.7 (acceptable because "normal" is 50). The tremors are not constant, but often (and I probably notice them more than others). But my neuro says, "Would you rather have tremors or seizures?"Anyone else having tremors? I looked on the Internet and it's a side effect. (But I'd just as soon not have them.)

Comments

RE: Tremors

Submitted by connie_elaine on Thu, 2004-05-27 - 18:33
I used to be on depakote ER and I experienced them all the time. I would be trying to do something like writing or typing or anything that required concentration, I would just "shiver" and I was not cold at all. I discussed this with my neuro. and he suggested that I do something to keep the level of concentration down...like tap my foot or suck on my lip ...I thought that that could cause me to develope somewhat of a "tick" situation. I tried it anyway and it did work for a while (I was primarily taking Depakote 2500mg daily). I kept seizing and he changed my meds to Keppra, rarely tremor but developed many other side effects. I dont know if I like Keppra as much I still have g~mal's and lots of daily auras and still am the "clumsy" one(I can just be standing still and just fall over sometimes esp. when I close my eyes). I did gain 20-25#s on the Depakote and that was not good. You have to get used to the meds also. I sure hope that the Depakote works for you...oh yeah I was getting my blood tested all the time when I was on the depakote....do you?Connie Elaine

RE: Tremors

Submitted by GKT on Fri, 2004-05-28 - 14:18
Thanks for responding. I can't remember if I mentioned it, but I take minutes for the Board of Supervisors (so it's on TV, and in front of many onlookers); therefore the tremors makes me self-conscious, and I certainly don't think I'd try your doctor's suggestion about sucking on my lip!Would you tell me about your auras? Do you drive?Thanks again for reading and responding.

RE: Tremors

Submitted by mexican_fire on Wed, 2004-06-16 - 16:20
Yes, I take it, as well, and have tremors from it that are bad. I jsut ignore them, becasue that is a side effect of the drug, and I am finall on the right combination of drugs after a nasty 3 years, and I over look them.I agree, they are a pain, but I think like your doc. I have 4 types of seizures, and I don't want them, I would much rather deal with a tremor which is pale in comparison to the seizures I have.Good luck with it.Nancy

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