New - Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
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UPDATED: Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:21pm
agwalt
Changing AEDs while pregnant?
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Hi,
I have had controlled partial seizures for several years. I have had two healthy daughters while on Dilantin. My partials have not been controlled over the past few months and my new Neuro wants to add/switch me to Lamictal. We've started the process, but are not to a controlled dosage of Lamictal yet and I found out I am 8 weeks pregnant. When I told him I was pregnant he had to leave the room--to consult with a REAL doctor?? (I saw another neuro at this same clinic and he did the same thing when I asked him questions--he would leave the room before he could answer me--which is why I changed.) He wants me to wait another month to get up to the full dosage of Lamictal and then wait for me to be partial seizure-free for 2 months before he will slowly take me off the Dilantin, which will take close to 2 months to get off. I will almost be finished with my pregnancy before I get weaned off Dilantin! My concern is being pregnant while on two AEDs. I know the most desirable option is only one, if possible. I was on only one with my two daughters and I feel comfortable with that. Being on two really worries me.
I am also very dissatisfied with my neuro. I feel like he doesn't know his stuff, he isn't completely honest with me, and I just don't feel like I can put my trust in him. (The only other neuro's in my state are 45-60 minutes away, and since I'm not supposed to be driving, I'm not sure if that is very plausible.) I am considering weaning myself off Dilantin while my doses are increasing with Lamictal. I know this probably isn't the smartest thing to do, but I feel it would be safer for the baby, and in the event that I start having partial's again, I can raise my dose back up. I'm sure this is bad for me to even consider, but I would appreciate any of your experiences with or opinions about this.
Thanks, April
And I would also love to know if you like your neuro, what you like about him/her, and how you find them?
By agwalt at Tue, 02/26/2008 - 10:21pm | 48 views | 4 comments
Topic: Women With Epilepsy
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Recent Comments on this Discussion
I have changed my meds (from Depakote to Lamictal) while I was pregnant, although it wasn't on purpose. I found out I was pregnant (for the second time -- SURPRISE!) right after we decided to switch, in fact we probably conceived the same week we started the switch. All I can say, is that if you are already 8 weeks along, the damage has already been done. Any serious birth defects that can occur would have already occur. My strong recommendation would be to keep your meds the way your doctor says and continue your transition. I've been epileptic for almost 12 years and once I tried switching meds abruptly (I've tried at least 10 different meds with different levels of success) and I had major seizures within 3 days. I know that having a seizure is much worse for your baby than the risk of being on the meds for a little longer. If it helps, you could consult a doctor online (check out epilepsyfoundation.com for more info on that) and email someone to find out a second opinion since a different doctor is so far away. Keep up on your prenatal care and have all the tests done and enjoy your pregnancy. Its amazing :)
hey april
im 17 and have been on lamictal (lamotrigine) and it messed up my hormones terribly and i was depressed.
What I think you should do, is get a 2nd opinion and argue with the doctors til you get one that doesnt walk out when you say your pregnant.
I personally didnt like the neuro consultant that diagnosed me as he diagnosed me even though i had only had an EEG but where ever I looked it said that an MRI was needed.
I personally dont like doctors because they think the patient is stupid even though I knew just as much as my specialist does.
My sister is pregnant at the moment and she has recently changed meds and she said it was fine.
I dont know how it is done where you live but in England they doctors wean you down on the current meds and then put you onto the second med. So at any one time you are only on one type of AED.
My sister is on 200mg of tegretol twice a day (was on 200mg of tegretol retard twice a day) and doctors took her down to 100mg twice a day before switching from retard to normal.
I hope this helps, and I hope your pregnancy goes well.
Just remember, you know whats best for you and your unborn child as you already have 2 children.
Argue your way up to someone who knows what they are talking about. I argued and I got referred to one of the most renowned Epilepsy Genetists in England.
Hopefully everything works out for you.
Andrea, England
P.S my best friends little sister is on lamictal and she cant wait to get off the meds as it has really affected her hormones and she is always stressy and aggitated (aggitation being one of the side affects, i had it also)
Hi Andrea
I'd be interested to know how you got access to a geneticist and who your neuro is. I am currently on lamictal and am thinking of changing to keppra - it's a long story.
I live in London but would be willing to travel to see either geneticist or neuro.
Thanks
hi ladies
i'm a 30 year old ttc in the nottingham area. i myself was put on keprra with no explanation about 8 years ago as it was a new drug and they wanted women on it. i suggest not going on it. switching meds in england they do wean you off one onto the other as its the safest way without causing a seizure.
i went for a check up at nottingham qmc and ended up with an epilepsy specialist nurse instead of a consultant and happy i did as i know nurses know more than the consultants!!! i wanted to go back to lamictal as i like it but i drive so i agreed that as i'd self medicated to 500mg i be allowed to stay what way while ttc as ttc they have only 3 options
1) stay on current medication till baby born
2) go off medication altogether but not be allowed to drive for 6 months (i've been fit free 5 years now so allowed to go off medication if i want)
3) change from one medication to another weaning off one to the other but that means delaying ttc for 3 months to make sure it works and doesn't damage the foetus.
i've stuck to 1 and will do no 3 when i eventually get my baby.
changing meds is difficult but i advise to only change if your current tablets are causing you any issues.
good luck hope you've got a nice big bump now and its all gone to plan xxxx