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markds ... about your change from Dilantin to Lamictal
Thu, 05/27/2004 - 14:56Topic: Medication Issues
I'm wondering if I should be switched from Dilantin to Lamictal. Why did they make the change on you?I've been on Dilantin since I was about 25 (I'm 50 now). I did just fine until this year and have had four seizures and they have added Depakote to the Dilantin.Things just seem very strange in my system. Tired, lack of energy, tremors. The Internet says tremors are a side effect of Depakote. I wonder how Lamictal would work? (I know we're not the doctors ... but sometimes I get frustrated when they just prescribe something new and say, "Be happy."
Comments
RE: New here-Does exercise affect seizures?
Submitted by limeridge on Sat, 2004-05-29 - 20:21
Hi there I go to the gym a lot now eversince I got on to the Keppra. I was a type of person where I would say tomorrow I will go here there etc. Now these new pills are great because not lazy want to always do things and keep busy. Go to the gym 5 times a week. So if you want a good drug try keppra I was scared at first trying it but I have had no seizures eversince I've been on them. Just thought I would let you know. I know meds work different on people. Limeridge
RE: markds ... about your change from Dilantin to Lamictal
Submitted by markds on Thu, 2004-05-27 - 17:36
Hi GKTI took 300-350 mg of Dilantin for 20 yrs (I'm 30 now) but I had to switch to lamictal because I was starting to get some of the long term side effects of dilantin. Except for the long term side effects, I woud say dilantin worked very well for me. My dr. told me that the long term side effects are not permanent and will heal. Some of the long term side effects of dilantin are that it damages your nerves and the part of your brain that controls balance. By reading your background this maybe something you should look into since you have taken dilantin as long as I have. It appears that the nerve damage starts in your feet and works its way up; this is what I am experiencing. Also my balance is a little off if I close my eyes, put my feet together and try to stand still. Also, my hand use to shake a little bit if I tried to hold my hand steady. I never knew I was getting this nerve damage until I went to a new doctor at NYU epilepsy center and she diagonsed it. Luckily, the doctor told me that all my nerves will heal in 6 months to a year. Some of the other side effects that I noticed over the years and when I first started taking dilantin were that I would sleep a lot, my concentration was off, my mind would wander, I would struggle through math problems, I would get obsessive thoughts sometimes and my gums were swollen. I've been on lamictal for 6 months and so far I think it's great. I havent had any seizures, my concentration has improved dramatically. My hand doesnt shake anymore, and all the other symptoms that I had from taking dilantin for so many years are gone. Lamictal is a very new medication and right now i'm trying to find out more information from others who have been taking it. So far I've heard a lot of different things from a few people and I'm having a hard time getting to know how this medication is going to affect me. What I'm experiencing with lamictal is the exact opposite of what they are experiencing. My memory and concentration have improved dramatically while others on here have said they can't concentrate and there memories are worse. Also, they are saying that they have a lot more energy while I am not experiencing that. However, most of these people are taking much higher doses than me. I only take 150mg of lamictal and these people are taking 600-800 mg a day. So that could make a major difference. There is also a really bad rash you could get when starting on lamictal. I didnt get this but its more common in children than adults and if you increase your lamictal dosage slowly your chances of getting it are much lower. Also, the change from dilantin to lamictal took 4 months. They had to slowly reduce my level of dilantin each month while increasing lamictal. It made me very tired because my body was now processing 2 medications and it took me about 2 weeks to adjust to my dilantin level dropping every time I reduced my dosage of dilantin. From what I'm experiencing with Lamictal I really like it. I also have read that it is a good substitute for dilantin, and so far it is working just as good as dilantin did. So you may want to talk to your dr about it. I agree with you, I wouldnt like it either if a dr just wrote a prescrition for a new med and said," here, take this".