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Will Epilim be more Suitable than Trileptal?

Wed, 10/23/2019 - 16:08
I just posted a rather long-winded story of my history of epilepsy but it didn't want to accept it over and over again for some reason. Very frustrating! So I'll be super blunt. Nearly 30, male, based in UK. Had minor and rare day-time seizures (more noctural) when was younger. Went on Carbamazepine (Tegretol) about 7 years old which totally stopped seizures, but slowed me down a lot. Few years later came off this when seizure free. Two years after that, started having seizures again. Generally noctural but one every 2-3 weeks day time. Pretty mild but would blackout. Didn't thrash around or froth at the mouth, lasted under 30 seconds. Went back on meds but Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) this time. Been on this stuff from age 13. I'm 29 now. No seizures (well this is debatable) during this time. Not noctural nor day time. However, went to speak to a neurologist today for first time in ages. Said I have an aurora perhaps once or twice a year, but they've never progressed to a seizure. He said legally this counts a seizure and I cannot come off meds and if anything should increase the dose (it's 300mg x2 per day at the moment). He wants to ween me off this and put me on Epilim which he says will be better for my speed too. I used to be speedy at doing everything but tegretol and to a lesser extent trileptal have taken the edge off my thinking and speed to do tasks. What do you think?

Comments

Is Carbamazepine the only

Submitted by birdman on Wed, 2019-10-23 - 20:21
Is Carbamazepine the only drug that you've tried?  I'd say give Epilim a try.  Seems like you may fall into the group of epileptics 70% who get control from drug therapy and maybe there are more than one that will work.  It would be too bad if the seizures return and you have to get back on carbamazepine, but at least you will have some justification for putting up with the side effects it gives you.  

Hi,  Thank you for posting.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-10-24 - 08:50
Hi,  Thank you for posting. We are sorry to hear that you had issues posting and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. Treatment varies for each individual,so it’s important that you’re following- up with your doctor to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you and if you experience changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms. It is common for those living with epilepsy to report having difficulties with thinking & memory, so it’s also important that you continue to address those challenges and other concerns you may have with your healthcare team: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy  The goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects. However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome. To learn more about Epilim, seizure medications and potential side effects, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/valproic-acid/advancedhttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects You may want to consider keeping a diary, or a journal. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for tracking seizures, setting reminders, recording your medical history, managing medications,side effects, moods, behaviors & triggers, which can be shared with your healthcare team.  Additionally, you may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources,  provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline You may find additional resources in your country by visiting https://www.ilae.org/regions-and-countries/regions/ilae-europe/chaptershttps://www.epilepsy.org.uk/

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