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Troubles with Lamictal
Tue, 06/13/2006 - 13:59Topic: Medication Issues
I'm on Lamictal 225mg/2 times a day right now and it doesn't seem to be working too well. I'm still having the aura part of simple partial seizures and it kind of worries me that I'll have a full-on seizure soon.
The problem is that when I tell my doctor this, he just keeps upping the dosage. I had labs done the other day, and they showed my levels are above normal. Not by a whole lot, but enough.
I'm just wondering how you all deal with a neurologist who doesn't seem to get it. He told me that if I'm only getting the auras, it's not a big deal and I shouldn't worry. Part of the problem there is that I get these auras at work, all the time. It's embarrassing when I freeze in the middle of a presentation.
Any suggestions?
Comments
Re: Troubles with Lamictal
Submitted by missy_b on Tue, 2006-06-13 - 20:27
Neurologist,neurologists.... most of them think they know it all. You tell them what's happening and they all they say is "lets up your dose, that might work"! We are lucky if we can get 2 sentences in before they start blabbing about taking more pills. We get sick and tired of hearing that every time we see them. I take Lamictal as well and it didn't help the auras. I switched to an epiltologist and he added Keppra. That hepled a little but I am now in the process of pre-surgical evaluation. Before Lamictal I was on Carbitral and Trileptal. I would do as the last person said and switch to an epiltologist. You may need 2nd med. to take with your Lamictal or taken off Lamictal and put on something else.
Re: Troubles with Lamictal
Submitted by quirky on Wed, 2006-06-14 - 07:20
Hi AmityF
Switch to another doctor is what I'd suggest.
I used to be opn lamictal and didn't do me any good. The doc kept me on it though increasing my dosages when it wasn't helping my seizures or auras. And auras are a big deal! Dont ever let a doctor tell you they are not. You are the one who has to live with them.
Lamictal caused side effects with me as well as not helping with my auras or seizures. I didn't like the med at all. I changed to a new doctor,a neurologist last November and he got me off the drug asap when he saw me. I am very happy with my new doctor now. He is more undrstanding and more helpful and provides more information than any other doctor did for me!
If you are not happy with your current doctor, change to another. It's not difficult. That's my advise. Do what's best for you :-)
Quirky
Re: Troubles with Lamictal
Submitted by mommy2kyra on Tue, 2006-06-13 - 14:04
My suggestion would be to get another neuro (better yet, an epileptologist). If you're having simple partials that frequently, it's obviously going to have an effect on you emotionally. Frequent auras are a big deal! I hope that you are able to get another doc w/ a little more empathy! Best of luck to you... Heather :)