Changing Meds - any advice please

[jess]

Hi,

I was diagnosed with epilepsy for 11 years but have had it for about
15 years. For the last 10 years I have been on lamictal (400mg) and
Zarontin (ethosuximide) - 750mg per day. Zarontin only controls absence
seizures. I get both tonic clonic and absence seizures. I recently
had a break through seizure ( first in 9 years) as a result of my
lamictal levels being too low. They have now upped the dosage to 500mg
per day. The Zarontin has never fully controlled my absence seizures
but does make a massive difference

After reading up - I found that Zarontin has been bought by a new
company and they are removing the capsule form and only leaving syrup
as of October 06. So my neurologist and I decided that I would try
and change over to a small dosage of Epilim (800mg) per day.

I have just started to introduce the drug into my system (2nd day)and
am not feeling altogether that good. I feel very tired (obviously)
and also feel a bit all over the place. Am finding it difficult to
concentrate and also my co ordination is not so great.

Because it has been such a long time since I changed meds - I am
wondering if this is normal and if it will go away as my body adjusts.

I have also heard that there is a good chance of gaining weight and
losing hair on epilim and am wondering if there is anyone who has been
on my new drug combo and not had side effects. Also - how long will it
take for me to show signs of side effects

Any info from anyone who has been in a similar situation would be
great - thanks :)

[john coyle]

Hi There Jess,

 

Well I have been on many different EP drugs and have gone through more changes than I can keep track of. But basically, my experience and I think you will find that this is commmon, is that at the very best you can expect at least a 72 hour period of time adjusting to meds and sometimes it can take weeks. Of course this all depends on your body weight, current meds, diet, etc. Sadly, what you are going through doesn't sound much different than anything most others would tell you.

 

I hope others will respond and let you know what they have experienced as well. Please note that this Epilepsy Google Group is not sponsored or monitored by any doctors, so the best people to talk to about this would be your doctors. I wish you the best during and after your medicine transition and welcome to the group.

 

Cheers,

 

John

--
John W. Coyle
john.w...@gmail.com
http://www.shake-that-seizure.org

[jess]

Many thanks John ,

I am in contact with my Neurologist but you know what they are like -
too few clinical answers and all.

Its always good to hear others experiences :) Have a good one

Jess