Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Want to get off Lamictal! is homeopathy the answer?
Wed, 09/27/2017 - 09:27Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hello everyone! This seems to be a great place to share my ideas and concerns.
I am 28 years old. I had 3 episodes of absence seizures back in 2012. I have been on 150mg of Lamictal (relatively low dose) ever since and had No Seizures for the past 5 years.
I am active and try to be as healthy as possible! When I was exposed to long periods of stress, my sleep-deprived EEG came back with slight abnormalities in the left temporal lobe (after 2 years of normal EEGs)
I have visited several neurologists and am trying to make my case to stop taking this medication, especially due to its side effects on the baby if i do get pregnant. My doctor put me on a 24-hour EEG since he said he needs more data to re-visit my condition diagnosis and treatment. currently waiting for the results on that one!
I am also scared to just go on a trial and error and decrease the dose to "see what happens".
Lately, i have been exploring alternative treatment ways. I am planning on visiting a Homeopath and functional doctor to see if there are natural ways to replace my current Lamictal dependency! Does anyone have thoughts on that?
Comments
have you tried dietary
Submitted by Amy Jo on Wed, 2017-09-27 - 23:15
have you tried dietary therapy? that has been shown to work for some people. talk to your doctor about switching to a drug safe for pregnancy, that's a valid reason to change.note - an EEG while on medication may be unremarkable, doesn't mean you should be getting off medication as medication may be doing it's job.
I took valproic acid for 5
Submitted by murr88 on Tue, 2017-10-10 - 11:57
I took valproic acid for 5 years, then stopped, got pregnant, gave a birth. When my daughter was 2yo, I had a seizure. I'm taking Topamax for 4 years, no seizures, thinking about second baby. But I always had epilepsy activity on the EEG. Even after 5 years of taking valproic acid. I also can tell you that I took Mg + B6 during all the pregnancy. Yesterday I bought the complex of vitamins of B-group. I already feel the effect today. B-vitamins are very good for the neuro system.
What abnormalities are "they
Submitted by just_joe on Wed, 2017-09-27 - 17:13
What abnormalities are "they are electrical impulses that hit wrong. The seizures are chain reactions from those wrong hits. What natural treatment can keep electrical impulses from hitting wrong? Yes natural things can help. Seizure medications are designed to stop those abnormalities. Wait until the neurologist sees what the EEG shows. People have stopped having seizures and no longer need meds. But then there are also those that don't have seizures but n=still need meds. If they see what you are hoping for then they will wean you off meds. Weaning is far better to do then stopping completely. Say you haven't had a seizure in a year or two. If you have one after you have been weaned off a couple of dosages then they can stop there and back up which would reduce the amount you have been taking.I know about stopping my meds without the doctor knowing it. It sure wasn't fun being in status epilepticus and staying in the hospital while they got me on the same meds and added another. But then you are worried about your med and having a baby. Well talk to your neurologist. There are several AED's that are better to use if one is wanting a child..SO wait and talk to your neurologist. Do ask about the other meds that are better to use when your pregnant if you need to stay on meds.