Becoming seizure free with the second medicine

[notime]

Hi,

As I have stated a few times before, I have primary generalized seizures which has happened once a month to every few months. I first started off on Keppra XR, and I continued to have seizures and then my doctor put me on Lamictal which I take 100mg twice daily now. I've been seizure free since taking a low dose of it to this dose, but doesn't mean it's working as I've been seizure free for longer without medicine.

I have been seeking the answer to the percentage of people who fails to be treated with the first medicine with the second one. I came upon this website: http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/news/20120509/study-predicts-success-drug-therapy-epilepsy which says, "13% were seizure free after trying a second drug." I know that's quite a little high, and the statistics might not be reliable, but if it's below 20% does that mean I probably won't obtain seizure control where I can be seizure free?

I am not threatening suicide, but I just don't want to live the rest of my life even if it's 10 to 40 years to have these seizures. I couldn't imagine living with it. I don't mean to offend those who have a hard time, or think I am better than them. I just find it extremely hard to deal with... I never could find anything reliable. My neurologist even told me I'll have to take medicine for the rest of my life and he doubts they will find a gene therapy cure for me within my life time.

(I know I have asked this before, but I just cannot get an accurate percentage of it) My neurologist said that there is a high chance that Lamictal may work but is it only 13% he didn't give any numbers.

 

[k35k35k35]

Your neuro is correct that you will probably alway's have to take medication to control your seizure's. I currently take 2000 mg. of Keppra xr and 300 mg. of lamictal and as long as I follow the rules, I have no seizure's. The only thing that suk's is that you will alway's have restriction's such as no alcohol, but that crap aint no good anyway.

 

[Cint]

, but I just don't want to live the rest of my life even if it's 10 to 40 years to have these seizures. I couldn't imagine living with it.......

I just find it extremely hard to deal with... I never could find anything reliable. My neurologist even told me I'll have to take medicine for the rest of my life and he doubts they will find a gene therapy cure for me within my life time.

Well, 30+ years ago, I didn't imagine myself living the rest of my life with E, either. After trying numerous meds, having brain surgery and now the VNS, I find it extremely difficult to deal with too, but, hey, what other options are there? Just crawl into bed and sleep forever? Life does go on, regardless of seizures and taking meds. What didn't work for me, may work for you. Never give up!

 

[LMReggcellent]

Hi,
I just don't want to live the rest of my life even if it's 10 to 40 years to have these seizures. I couldn't imagine living with it.

I used to feel that way too. It makes a difference when you see what other people go through. My uncle has had MS for a very long time and we've been watching him not get any better. He used to run marathons, but now he cannot leave his wheel chair without help. It makes me feel so lucky.