question - Epilepsy Message Board

bettyst · 08-30-2006, 01:35 PM

Does anyone know if once you have tried a meds and it did not seem to work then a doc might try it again??
Or can you go up on one med and it seem to be causing problems and then later try and up that same med again. Wondering...Tripp was on 1500 mg of Keppra at morning and night...seemed to have a problem with it that high so it was downed to 1250mg at night....can she now take that back up to 1500mg at night??? I really don;t want her to add another drug.

PS: He ended up with two grandmals lastnight...rested all day and seems to be feeling fine today.

Travis from MN · 08-30-2006, 03:17 PM

you can offer the question of splitting the 250's to see if he has had the problem of high keppra levels to reach the same dose, but over a longer time. With problems of keppra being raised in larger amounts (such as with the 500's) try going slower and smaller if you stick with Keppra.

As for Dr's going BACK on previous meds; YES I've had that problem (Depa, Teg Dilantin); they wanted to try that problmatic combo a second time and would have if I did not challange them with medical facts that it interacts in negative manners. I had major symptoms with that combo thankfully I wasn't on it long the first time, but long enough to note it and research the problems.

If meds had been tried 3-4 YEARS ago (or more) they may try it again to see if it will work being time has passed. If you know for a fact there is a allergic reaction make sure to tell them. Same issue with generics on meds. Dr's seem to grasp for straws if it appears "we have tried all meds" so theyt may try one that has been tried a long time ago.

My personal goal is to be on as minimal as possible. Now that is 3 drugs. In the long ago past it was two drugs. I guess it's what works for the patient without negative effects.

--Travis

bettyst · 08-30-2006, 07:49 PM

Thanks,Travis...I talked to doctor...he had another seizure(Grandmal) this afternoon. SHe wants to start depokate 250mg at night for one week then cut back on the morning dose of Keppra to 1250mg...so he will be taking 1250mg of ke tppra both morning and night after a week...adding the depokate at nigth only to see how he does on this..I am to call her in another week to let her know his progress. I LOVE this neuro...she took may call the min I called her!
B

neurowreck · 08-30-2006, 09:20 PM

Wow, a neuro who works patients in- my former neuro (serious ******) was like a robot, and no flexibility. The one I had in another state (that I'm hoping to get back to) died, but her office partner was good - and records are there.

Glad you found a good one- maybe get the meds fixed up so Tripp isn't having so many- has to be tiring.

bettyst · 08-31-2006, 06:45 AM

Thank you so much. I know you guys know what I am going through and what Tripp is going through. It means so much to me to be able to come to this board and know other care!
Tripp is feeling good today,has a light breakfast and a bath just being his old self!