Hi.
BRIEF BACKGROUND:
I have TLE and get simple & complex partials. Every once in a great while, they generalize.
Was on Dilantin (actually Phenytoin) for a few years then Keppra was added. Was on both for about two years at which point I tried coming off the Phenytoin. Had a seizure that generalized and went back on the Phenytoin but at a lower dosage. This was all under the supervision of my neurologist.
I didn't have any problems with Keppra per se, but eventually it became obvious it affected my moods. My temper was on a hair-trigger and suffered from periodic depression. I came off the Keppra in November and was completely off by the first week of December.
Had a seizure the other day that generalized and I blacked out. Not going to go into detail about that here right now but let's just say the results were catastrophic (no one was hurt, thank God).
LET ME GET TO THE POINT...
I'm starting to think maybe the Dilantin isn't really working for me to begin with because I've always continued to experience auras and simples. But my neuro says that Dilantin won't prevent simples/partials but will stop them from generalizing. Has anyone else heard this?
I'm going today to get a level checked. If my level is low, then that could explain what happened the other day but what if it's NOT low? I've looked into other drugs but the side effects appear horrible. So many people seem to be on Lamictal and my neuro has mentioned it before but all I hear about is the side effects... especially in this forum. Are people getting their seizures under control from Lamictal? Are people getting control with Dilantin? Could my problems be because I'm on phenytoin and not brand-name Dilantin? Is there any evidence its more effective than Dilantin in stopping and/or preventing simple/partial seizures?
I'm SO ANGRY right now I can't even think straight. I have been 100% independent up until now---been driving, etc---but since the other day my wife has been driving me to work.
I'm just looking for suggestions. Thank you.
FRUSTRATED & DEPRESSED,
Mo
BRIEF BACKGROUND:
I have TLE and get simple & complex partials. Every once in a great while, they generalize.
Was on Dilantin (actually Phenytoin) for a few years then Keppra was added. Was on both for about two years at which point I tried coming off the Phenytoin. Had a seizure that generalized and went back on the Phenytoin but at a lower dosage. This was all under the supervision of my neurologist.
I didn't have any problems with Keppra per se, but eventually it became obvious it affected my moods. My temper was on a hair-trigger and suffered from periodic depression. I came off the Keppra in November and was completely off by the first week of December.
Had a seizure the other day that generalized and I blacked out. Not going to go into detail about that here right now but let's just say the results were catastrophic (no one was hurt, thank God).
LET ME GET TO THE POINT...
I'm starting to think maybe the Dilantin isn't really working for me to begin with because I've always continued to experience auras and simples. But my neuro says that Dilantin won't prevent simples/partials but will stop them from generalizing. Has anyone else heard this?
I'm going today to get a level checked. If my level is low, then that could explain what happened the other day but what if it's NOT low? I've looked into other drugs but the side effects appear horrible. So many people seem to be on Lamictal and my neuro has mentioned it before but all I hear about is the side effects... especially in this forum. Are people getting their seizures under control from Lamictal? Are people getting control with Dilantin? Could my problems be because I'm on phenytoin and not brand-name Dilantin? Is there any evidence its more effective than Dilantin in stopping and/or preventing simple/partial seizures?
I'm SO ANGRY right now I can't even think straight. I have been 100% independent up until now---been driving, etc---but since the other day my wife has been driving me to work.
I'm just looking for suggestions. Thank you.
FRUSTRATED & DEPRESSED,
Mo