Latest Greatest - Epilepsy Message Board

SL64 · 06-19-2003, 09:30 PM

Anyone have any opinions on what seizure medicines for grand mals are the most effective and have low side effects? I am thinking about switching to another medicine. I am currently taking Depakote ER (2000 mg/day).

mainecoon · 06-20-2003, 05:58 AM

I've been having grand mals since I was 14, and since I began to take Dilantin on a regular basis I've had none. Also, I tolerate the medicine very well, with no gum overgrowth or hair loss. However, I do suspect (and I have had a hard time getting any kind of verification of this) that long-term use of Dilantin has resulted in neuropathy of the deep motor nerves which has left me with pronounced ataxia and a shambling gait..

Although I strongly advocate the effectiveness of Dilantin I've read on this board that others do not tolerate this medicine very well and have better luck with other drugs that are, apparently, part of a huge variety of anticonvulsant medicines.

HawkFan1502 · 06-20-2003, 07:34 AM

I didn't have much luck on Depakote and I hated the side effects. I was always tired and I couldn't believe how much hair I lost. The best med. that I took was Phenobarbital. That controled my seizures for the longest time. Now my Dr has switched me to Carbatrol....so far..so good. Good luck!

teresa34 · 06-20-2003, 05:28 PM

I've been on Phenobarb for 19 years with excellent control,,,as long as I take it!

I am allergic to Dilantin and Tegretol, I'm considering trying something else as I'm tired of the fatigue from the Phenobarb, 100mg at bedtime.

Hawk, I was curious, why did you switch to Carbatrol?

HawkFan1502 · 06-23-2003, 08:54 AM

My Dr switched me to Carbatrol because I was taking too much Phenobarbital. I was taking 9 30mg every night! Everytime I had a partial seizure, my Dr would up my medicine. She wouldn't believe me that the reason I was having the partial seizures was due to stress, Oh well. Carbatrol is doing great so far. I'm only taking 2 tablets a day.