medic. for temporal lobe E. / simple seiz.

[jyearta]

I have been on Dilantin for 39 years.

I really think this is my problem - long term use.

I have appt. 10/13/11 with a new neur.

Is there a anti-seizure medic. that is best for the type of E. a person has?

I know each person reacts diff. to diff. medic.

With Dilantin and Klonopin having my seizures under control (for the most part) I have been bull headed about NO MEDIC. changes.

I feel like the dilantin is the cause of emotional issues, when I decrease a tablet every other week, I feel better (phys. and emotional) for a few days then it seems two start over.

Is there anyone here, with temporal lobe epilepsy that was on dilantin and changed to another medic.? Again I know that each one of these medic. have side effects.

[momof3boys]

I have left temporal lobe epilepsy, and Ive been on Keppra and carbatrol for the last 12 years. Just this March, I had a video EEG and after it was over, my dr put me on Keppra XR and didnt put me back on the Carbatrol. Being on Carbatrol for a long period of time isnt the greatest, since it can cause problems with your bone marrow. I had simple partial seizures during my video EEG. So far, Ive had one seizure about a week ago, but it was due to lack of sleep. The Keppra XR has helped control my seizures alot. I havnt been on Dilantin before, but I just wanted to let you know that Keppra has really worked well for me.

[jyearta]

I was on Keppra back in 2004, I had the worse side effects.
what is the diff. in Keppra and keppra XR?

When I was put on Keppra, my dr. was also decreasing Klonopin (which I wasn't on as much as I am now) and decreasing another medic. (can't remember the name)

I did not have seizures when on Keppra, I had more side effects on this medic. than any of the others.

I glad it works for you, reading your post, seeing that you have 3 boys- you don't need a medic. to slow you down.

Thank you for you reply.

[momof3boys]

I was on Keppra back in 2004, I had the worse side effects.
what is the diff. in Keppra and keppra XR?

When I was put on Keppra, my dr. was also decreasing Klonopin (which I wasn't on as much as I am now) and decreasing another medic. (can't remember the name)

I did not have seizures when on Keppra, I had more side effects on this medic. than any of the others.

I glad it works for you, reading your post, seeing that you have 3 boys- you don't need a medic. to slow you down.

Thank you for you reply.

The difference between Keppra and Keppra XR is that the XR is an extended release tablet, which stays in your body longer, it takes longer to leave your body than just the regular keppra. I was having really bad headaches all the time with the Keppra. My drs thought it was seizure activity trying to come on, but then in november of last year, my dr I was seeing, went to another hospital and I was put with his partner (who i am seeing now) and he recommend I try the Keppra XR. He said instead of the medication going up and down, which he said was possibly causing the headaches, it would be more even in my body, and he said to give it a shot. So once I switched over, within days I noticed I was having less and less headaches. Once I was on it for a few weeks, they were all gone. Plus, I was paying $150 for a six month supply of the Keppra, with the Keppra XR it was cheaper! I pay $100 for a six month supply!

Oh yeah, My boys keep me on my toes! They have a three days weekend now... so Im kind of not looking forward to how crazy its going to get around here!

[s10sleeper]

I have seizures that originated in the left temporal lobe, however seem to have progressed to the hippocampus also, I have never been on Dilantin, however have been on a number of others over the past 17 years as they constantly have to change my meds. I have been through Felbatol, carbamezapine, depakote, gabitril, keppra, trileptal, ativan and some others that I cannot currently recall.

Currently I am taking Depakote, gabitril, keppra, trileptal and ativan and am getting ready to go off of one to switch to Vimpat.

Unfortunately with so many different types and the way each type can vary based on the exact focal points, it can be very tough to decide which medication is best. I can understand how you feel about the side effects as I have actually had to take other medications to counteract all of my side effects as going off of meds is not an option for me.

Many people with Mesial Temporal Sclerosis, such as I have, the only help that the meds give is to prevent the seizures from generalizing. The best luck in most forms of temporal lobe epilepsy is surgery as it has the highest rate of success.

From what I have found out from the seizure specialists I know, Epilepsy centers are pushing to try to get surgery to more people rather than a last resort due to this reason.