I need help changing meds...

[Katie]

So I'm on 200mg of Vimpat and it's not working. I called my neurologist's office last week to see if I could try Keppra XR again, which worked REALLY well, but gave me anxiety. I'm on stronger anxiety meds and seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist now, so I think it's a good time to make the switch.

The medical assistant said she would have him approve the switch the next day. I never heard from her or anyone and nothing was ever filled (she asked for my pharmacy number too). So here's this week, and I'm out of meds as of tonight. I called a number of times today but never got through to anyone.

I called my regular doctor's office, because I used to work there, and can get strings pulled. I got Keppra XR filled there. But I still have no Vimpat. Being on 200mg, I'm assuming I should NOT quit it cold turkey. But I don't really have a choice, do I?

Since it's not really working anyways, is there anything I should be aware of? Anything that might happen due to a sudden stop of one seizure med and the start of another? I'm pretty frustrated over here. I know what it's like to wean off meds, and even then I've had some withdrawals and those God awful brain zaps (I still get the occassional brain zap, and I know which med to blame it on). I've been really active and busy lately, and I would hate to put a damper on my life because I'm going through a rough transition.

I guess there's not really any help that can be given, just some advice and empathy, because I know you all have frustrating moments with your doctors too!!

Thanks!

 

[Endless]

Katie,

Do not ever stop a seizure med cold turkey. It can cause serious seizures. Missing one dose will probably be okay, as long as you get your dose in the a.m. Here are some alternatives for getting your pills:

Call your pharmacist and tell her you are out of seizure meds and are having problems getting ahold of your doctor. The pharmacist will usually give you a pill or two to tide you over until the refill comes in.

You can try a phone call again. When I don't get a return call I tell the receptionist/phone answerer and explain the situation, whatever that is. In this case, no meds. Also call your PCP in the morning and try to get a quick prescription.

Tomorrow, if nothing else works go out in your neurologist's waiting room until his assistant will see you. Be there the second they open. Tell them why you are there. Don't leave without the prescription. It's amazing when you are physically there how quick you get service.

hugs katie. hang in there.

 

[Nakamova]

:agree:

Your PCP who gave you the Keppra rx should also be able to do one for the Vimpat, especially given the circumstances. (My sister-in-law who is a GP in another state has said that if I ever get caught short without meds she will call in a prescription to tide me over).

 

[huskymom]

I agree. Nothing is better than having your face in theirs! Best of luck

 

[Katie]

Thanks everyone. I found my old 150mg Vimpat, but I don't have very many. I'm hoping to get samples because Vimpat is $100 with my insurance.

I love my neurologist. It's just the office that drives me crazy. I work far from home and can only go on my days off (they are closed by the time I get home).

 

[momof3boys]

Katie,

Do not ever stop a seizure med cold turkey. It can cause serious seizures. Missing one dose will probably be okay, as long as you get your dose in the a.m. Here are some alternatives for getting your pills:

Call your pharmacist and tell her you are out of seizure meds and are having problems getting ahold of your doctor. The pharmacist will usually give you a pill or two to tide you over until the refill comes in.

You can try a phone call again. When I don't get a return call I tell the receptionist/phone answerer and explain the situation, whatever that is. In this case, no meds. Also call your PCP in the morning and try to get a quick prescription.

Tomorrow, if nothing else works go out in your neurologist's waiting room until his assistant will see you. Be there the second they open. Tell them why you are there. Don't leave without the prescription. It's amazing when you are physically there how quick you get service.

hugs katie. hang in there.

:agree:

Your PCP who gave you the Keppra rx should also be able to do one for the Vimpat, especially given the circumstances. (My sister-in-law who is a GP in another state has said that if I ever get caught short without meds she will call in a prescription to tide me over).

:agree: stopping the vimpat cold turkey is not a good idea! I tried the vimpat, and got up to 100mgs twice a day, and it didnt work well for me. Made me very depressed, and I wasnt the same person. I had to be cut back to a smaller dose, 50mgs twice a day for a week and then I was able to stop it, and switch to another medication.

I would think your drs office that prescribed you the Keppra XR could give you a couple of extra vimpat pills til you can get ahold of your neuro's office.

 

[Katie]

Thanks. I'd just really like to talk to my neurologist. I don't have an appt until September 8th. Weaning off meds is annoying. You guys are awesome.