How often do you get your medication levels checked?

[momof3boys]

I was just curious...

How often does your neuro order lab work to check where your anti seizure medication level(s) are at?

I was thinking back to the last time I had mine done.... and it was either in 2008 or 2009. I cant recall what year it was... I do know it was when I had my last MRI and EEG done. My next testing after that was a VEEG in March 2011. But I have never had my blood drawn since then.

I find that kind of odd. Especially when you're taking a anti seizure medication away, and only going to one.... Wouldnt most neuro's want to see where your level is at? onder:

 

[acpollard2010]

every 3 months or so if not 6 but im on like 4 or 5 different ones on pretty high doses.so the fact u only take 1 med might be why it happens so unfrequently

 

[momof3boys]

I just thought it was weird that my neuro never checked my levels even at two medications... I would think he would want to know how I would be doing at two medications, then putting me down to one.... and then going for almost two years now with only one anti seizure medication, and not even checking it once? Im assuming the reason he thinks my Keppra level is low, is becuase of the increase in seizures since last sunday. they went from being simple partial seizures to complex partial seizures... and then having alot of auras during the day time. Its been this way for over a week now. I just want it all to go away!

 

[acpollard2010]

i would call them its been an awful long time and if your having activity not a good sign.

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

I thought it was suppose to be every 3 months depending on the med. Some people just do things different. I assumed keppra never needed lab works up until I was informed I should have gotten them. Its something to really look into, maybe the drug levels in your body aren't right?

 

[Cint]

It all depends on the medication and dr. + seizure activity. Some doctors don't check blood levels if the patient is doing well, according to this:

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/medicine_bloodtesting

Since you have been doing well the last few years, the dr. probably didn't think it was necessary. I take 3000 mgs. of Keppra along with Topomax and haven't had my blood levels checked lately. Not like I did back when I took Tegretol or Dilantin. Then it was every 2-3 months.

 

[jyearta]

Every 3 months. I don't know if it because I'm on Dilantin.

 

[momof3boys]

I got a call back from my neuro's nurse... and she said she would run it by the dr, and get back to me. I think its odd that its been years and nothing has been checked.

 

[Nakamova]

My old neuro would check levels once a year, just as a matter of practice -- even though I felt fine, and even though there is no standard target blood level for Lamictal.

I've only seen my current neuro twice, and he hasn't mentioned anything about testing the levels. Since my seizures are controlled, that's okay by me.

 

[guspoppy]

i havent seen my specialist for 12 years until last week and that was because i asked to see him! he said my case was closed is why i havent needed to see him for so long.. though my dr sees me once a year otherwise i cant get my repeat prescriptions. he asks things like last seizure , how i am etc but doesnt do any testing levels and thats it till the next year. im happy with this as ive been free of seizures for 12 years.

 

[Autumn Breeze]

Never.

 

[pita300]

Back when I was living normally I would see the GP once a year for blood work usually by the end of January and to get a new script for the next year. But over the last year I was on Lamictal for about 90 days now on Keppra. I don't think I've had a level check since March of last year.

 

[C0urt]

3 months, but i am one high doses and have issues.

 

[RanMan]

Every 6 months ~ like clock work ~ Unless I have an issue.

I also take medication for Ulcerative Colitis and my blood syrum levels are checked at the same time as for AEDs as both conditions effect each other.

Randy