Med question

[occb]

Do anti-convulsants require an adjustment time? Is it possible that a person can experience more seizures at the beginning of a new prescription that will eventually go away as he adjusts to it, or is it more likely that if he's experiencing more seizures on that anti-convulsant that it will get worse?

 

[Ann T.]

Hi, occb:

Yes, I think anti-convulsant meds require an adjustment time. It's also important to follow the dosage amount & time(s) that your neurologist established for you (or them). Example: If the neurologist said to take x mgs at 7AM, 2PM, & 9PM, then follow the dosing schedule as closely as possible. On time is better than, "Oh, it can wait." Also to whomever is taking these meds: if their (or your) seizure activity DOES NOT get better, or GETS WORSE, call their neurologist ASAP. Did the neurologist give the length of time for an adjustment to the anti-convulsant med? Take care, occb!

 

[Nakamova]

Everyone has a different reaction the drugs so there's no way to predict for sure what your AED will do for you (or to you). There is definitely an adjustment time for each drug -- your neurologist may have a sense of how long that is and whether you need to try a different drug instead. It may be complicated if you're already on other meds, or if there's some other trigger that may be contributing to the increased seizures.

In general I would recommend contacting your neurologist if you're experiencing ANY increase in seizures, regardless of what might be the cause.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[dfwtexas]

I would agree that you should contact your neuro. There are some adjustments to the meds, but he/she should know about your seizures so they can determine if your med level is not correct.
I have had my Keppra level adjusted a few times since I started a little over a year.

 

[darcness]

I will have to agree with what the others have said. Definitely get in touch with your neuro if you're haivng an increase.

Another thing I was thinking about is maybe your seizures are morphing. When my wife started on a lower dose of Depakote (500mg) she had a partial seizure, which she never had before (only t-c's before). Perhaps your seizures are changing so you notice them more? I know it's kind of a long shot, but it's not outside the realm of possibility. Again, talk with your doc because they should know these things if that's the case.

 

[occb]

Thank you for the information. Now I know it's not normal for my partner to be having an increase in seizure number or intensity when starting a new med, I'll be sure to talk to him about it and we can go see his GP. The problem is that right now I suspect my boyfriend has E that has gone unrecognized, so he has no Neurologist yet.

Just to quickly explain why I'm asking these question without a definite diagnosis of E -- He has been haphazardly diagnosed with different mental and physical illnesses to explain away his multitude of symptoms. Every doctor has offered a different diagnosis for the same symptoms, and with each diagnosis the doctors have literally said, "Well, we don't have proof, and you don't really fit into this category, but I am diagnosing you with this anyway."

After observing what appeared to be myoclonic and absence seizures in him when he was prescribed a new med, I began quizzing him about his symptoms and experiences throughout his life (these were not new symptoms, just more noticeable versions from before). Several days of heavy research on legitimate epilepsy sites and reading the forums here, I've realized all of his symptoms, both past and present, fit with epilepsy. Every. Last. One (simple partial, complex partial, absence and myoclonic seizures). Which is why I'm asking these questions here and not on another forum.

 

[Crystal11]

I just changed over to Keppra XR and I'm sure that there is an adjustment time for that too- even though I've been on Keppra for several years now. Sometimes you might have break-through seizures while adjusting to a med- you should record or write it down and let your neurologist know. They can tell you if you need to wait it out or come back and have another appointment to discuss you meds with you more. If your seizures get worse no matter whats going on, med change through adjustment time then the med isnt working for you.
Let your neurologist know everything- even if its something small.

Take care and good luck.
Crystal

 

[Meetz1064]

OH yesssss

AED's require an adjustment time. I'm STILL titrating up on Lamictal (right now I'm at 75 am, and 75 pm), and it's taken me close to 5 months to get there.

When I tried Keppra (BAH!!!), the neuro tried titrating me on, using the "NORMAL" titration schedule. LOLOL:roflmao::bigsmile::roflmao: Let me tell you, that did NOT work. We had to back off to 1/4 of that, and try all over again. STILL didn't work.

So yes, there is an adjustment time that's needed. BUT, it will vary from person to person.....