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scared of 16 month old taking Phenobarbital

Thu, 03/22/2007 - 17:04
My son had his 1st seizures at 12 months and has been on Dilantin (no side effects, no seizures)The Dilantin never got to a therapeutic level (very low) Needed to be 10 or higher, only 2.5 on a good dose. The Neurologist has put him on Phenobarbital and is weening him off the Dilantin. So far he is developing normally. I am worried about the effects of Phenobarbital on such a young mind. He is only 16 months. The Dr. says this is our only option with the type of seizures his EEG shows until he is 2 and then we could try something else. I feel like I am pushed up against a wall. I certainly don't want to slow or stop his development but I don't want to risk more seizures either. I feel like weening him off the meds and running with him but I know this is not an option either. Anyone have any positive experiences with young, developing minds and Phenobarbital?

Comments

Re: scared of 16 month old taking Phenobarbital

Submitted by mommyofthree on Mon, 2007-03-26 - 23:52
I know how worried you are I have been throught that three times already. I have found that Topamax works the best with the most minimal develpmental delays. I don't know if this would work with your sons seizures but it is work asking. Although it hasn't been approved for children under 2 almost all the medication they give our children aren't. My 11 month old is on this and is develping really good compared to my oldest who has a lot of delays from being on Tegretol for over a year. I hope this helps! ______________________________________________________________________ Mother of three epileptic boys, no you didn't miss read all three of my boys suffer from this, ages 4, 3, and 11 months

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