New to the forum/question about Epival

[murbers66]

I've had epilepsy since i was sixteen. I was diagnosed with primary generalized epilepsy and put on dilantin. After a severe allergic reaction i was put on Tegretol and have been on ever since. When i was in my twenties i did not put my health first and only recently have i been taking control of my epilepsy and coming to terms with it instead of hiding from it. One thing i have noticed is that most of my seizures (6 total) are brought on after having myoclonic seizures in the early morning after waking up. Also, these seizures seem to be after a late night or a night of excessive drinking. I have recently had an EEG and the neurologist wants to switch me from tegretol to epival. My doc has said that he wants to discuss this with me instead of switching right away because epival can be a pretty bad drug. Im not sure what to think or do, i just want to gain the control over my epilepsy i used to have.

[epileric]

Everyone reacts differently to each anti-epileptic drug so even though it's easy to discuss ones person experience with a drug, it's very hard to tell someone what they should or shouldn't take.

If you want to search more for it I'd suggest googling Depakene, Sodium Valproate or Valproic Acid which are all other names for Epival

You can also use the "search" option at the top of the page for any of those to see what anyone else here has said about it.

[Nakamova]

Hi murbers66, welcome!

If you're female and interested in getting pregnant, Epival wouldn't be a great choice. Beyond that, all the meds affect folks differently so it;s hard to predict how any particular med would affect you. That said, I would ask why the neurologist suggested Epival in particular. There are a number of meds out there (Lamictal, Keppra, Vimpat, etc.) that might help.

Do you think you might be able to stay on the Tegretol if you can limit your drinking and get plenty of sleep? Would that be preferable to you than making a switch right now? IF so, bring that up with your do as well.

Best,
Nakamova

[murbers66]

Thanks for the replies. Its great to have discovered this forum. I just wish i had this kind of outlet when i was younger. I am a 30 year old male so the pregnancy issue is not a factor. My doctor went over the neurology report over the phone but we have an apt september 1st to go over the results and discuss.
Im trying to control my drinking more so now then ever. I have always had these mycologic jerks where i will drop whatever it is i am holding during the early morning. This seems to be a pre courser to having a tonic clonic seizure for me. This has only happened 4 times within the last 9 years but every time it was result of drinking a lot and staying up really late.....the tegretol has been good to me but i just want to make sure that I'm am taking the right medication and not making myoclonic seizures worse by being on tegretol. Again thanks to everyone for their replies.

[Nakamova]

Tegretol can potentially aggravate myoclonic twitching, so it might be worth seeing how you feel on a different med.

[NeuroNotes]

[survivor]

Hey why not stop drinking and opt for a better lifestyle! Its just not E, ur drinking can do lots of harm otherwise also. I am also on EPILEX and leading quite a nice life, so dont worry, get going if the drug is really necessary! Every and i mean EVERY anti-epileptic drug has side effects so dont think too much. u will be well!