Making the switch - Epilepsy Message Board

MandiX · 06-19-2004, 06:41 AM

So I'm offically beginning to make the switch between Carbatrol to Lamictal. I'm up to 100mg of Lamictal a day, no rash... Carbatrol is still at 200mg x 2 a day, I'm a little nervous to go off of it. It's been 5 years since a seizure and I really can't afford one, I can live with the myoclonic jerks but if I had my license taken from me, if I couldn't work or go to school...I'd just die. If the Lamictal, when up to 200mg a day, doesn't control my jerks and/or I have an absense or grand mal seizure, I'm going on to Topomax. I hope we don't have to go there. If all else fails, Dilatin...which I do not want to be on.

Cross your fingers for me :-/

Phoebe · 06-19-2004, 08:05 AM

Why are you changing meds? Is Carbatrol stopping your seizures? If so, why change? Also, what kind of doc are you seeing,,General Neuro or Epileptologist? I was on Tegretol which is very much like Carbatrol so I know the side effects and the toll it can take on the quality of life. This is not my usual haunt, but there are many good posts here if you use the Search option. Also, why topamax for the next try? Think that one through and do a lot of research asking others who have taken that. I think a lot of research is in order and would answer many of your concerns. Phoebe

MandiX · 06-19-2004, 03:22 PM

Phoebe,

Carbatrol/Tegretol can make Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepspy(what I have) worse. My jerks won't go away with it and may even aggrevate them more.