Which would you choose?

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hootie

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My son has been on depakote sprinkles for almost two years. We gradually increased to 5 capsules per day (2-1-2). In March, the neurological wanted him up to 6 per day. My son quickly became very irritable, uncooperative, and stopped talking (he also has autism). He went back down to five per day and we left it there. He is still having many absence seizures according to his EEG.
I am seeing way less seizure activity...once every few weeks vs. Daily without meds...but now the seizures I do see last much longer.

His doc recommended either to Topomax or Zarontin next. I have not heard many good results with Topomax (dopamax for a child with learning issues does not sound like a good mix in my book). Zarontin looks like a gel cap. My son would most likely react to oneof the fillers...ugh! He has multiple food allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Any advice?
 
that's a tough one...

Hi. I have the seizures not my babies. I can only imagine how difficult it is for you. I don't know about topamax for children but i was on it for about 4 yrs and the only side effect i had was loosing weight. it helped me quite a bit for my migraines. I would call your pharmasist and see what they have to say. I've been pleasantly surprised by their help.

Know you have support, even if its over the computer :)
 
Thanks for the suggestion!

Tonight. It's was curriculum night at my son's school. His teacher and OT both commented on how well he is doing this year and how much more he is talking. I really hate to mess up a good thing. I wonder if trying 6 depakote per day would be an option since he is now 15 pounds heavier than last time we tried 6.
 
it just might. our bodies at one point or another build up a "tolerance" i guess toward meds. i'm not sure with little ones but i know depakote is working for me so far :). when any of my antideppresants stop working thats what the doc always told me. I hope it helps and good luck!
 
Thanks, again.

I spoke with my son's doc and she said to go ahead and try increasing the depakote again.
 
I hope it works for him -- let us know.
 
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