Are there any new medications for epilepsy? I am interested in ones that actually work.?
915850
My sister has had epilepsy now for 15 years. The first medication she was on was Valproic Acid, which is also known as Depakene®, Depakote®, Depakote® ER, Depakote® Sprinkle, Divalproex sodium, and Valproate sodium    It made her teeth brittle and caused her to gain weight. Her epileptic seizures didn't seem to be controlled by this medication. A few years later, the doctor changed it to Tegretol (also known as \nCarbamazepine, Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol-XR), which seemed to help. Back in 2001, she was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia and the treatment for this was to increase her dosage of Tegretol and the pain went away.\n\nTegretol is part of the older medications that have been used to treat epilepsy. These also include: valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek), mysoline (Primidone) and phenobarbital.\n\nNow the NEWER medications that are used are as follows: gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), tiagabine (Gabatril), levetiracetam (Keppra), zonisamide (Zonegran), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) and pregabalin (Lyrica). A ninth drug, felbamate (Felbatol), is rarely used because of potential for serious side effects.
42501
I had epilepsy of some or other sort as a child, i do not remember what kind though, but I stayed away from all forms of stress, that included me playing basketball (I was very competitive in it). I also tried to remain as calm as I could always, and watched out for anything that I did, watched, spoke about, ate, etc... and saw the different reactions to it... and now, i dont have it anymore, i have stayed away from a lot of things... maybe you could try doing this too, I hope you get over it...
943879
Vistaril works for me - but it's gonna take more than a few days -\nyou have to take it for about 2 weeks before you see results.\nI am  on 50 mg., I take it at night to help me sleep with some\nother meds as well.\n\nI find it works well.  You just have to give it some time.\nThere are no quick fixes here...
691542
actually i would also love to see some epileptic seizures to use in one of my projects about epilepsy... thank you for ur question
333607
Definitely go to the doctor.\n\nAlso maybe explore some diet issues. I saw some show where some epileptics went on strict nutritious diets and it helped control their seizures.\n\ngood luck
1093769
Epilepsy results when something interferes with electrical impulses in the brain. The cause of epilepsy is not always clear. Less than one-half of people with epilepsy have an identifiable, primary cause.  Epilepsy is sometimes the result of another condition, such as head injury, brain tumor, brain infection, or stroke.  Medication can effectively control seizures in many people with epilepsy. Other treatments that help control seizures include surgery, a special diet, or a device that stimulates nerves. A combination of these treatments may be tried when medication alone does not control seizures.
315155
I heard of a new drug called Lamictal - that is actually a family of antipsychotics... I was prescribed only yesterday, in addition to Lithium, a low dose of Risperdal - So far, I don't know how it will work, but my fingers are crossed. Hope this helps to mention it to your doctor.
126143
Hey Brian.  Diagnosed w/Addison's in 94 and all risidual effects due to such; also living with Epilepsy, three ulcers, effects of surgical abdomal tumor removal, blah, blah, blah, etc... meds include but not limited to:\ncortef, diazide, topomax, protonix, provigil, sodium suppl., potassium suppl., \nOldest daughter diag. Leukemia, in remission now, just had her baby 5 months ago. I am a successful business woman, will rule a small country some day.  I cope great, take meds regularily, just cannot miss that's all.  Eat maybe 2600-4000 calories daily to keep my weight of 130 lbs up, lots and lots of beef-go figure??? \nI am happy, content, healthy, sexy, kind, gentle, wonderful, I say healthy cause I really am considering-everything is under control. There is more, but can't remember due to seizures. he he he
1122732
Try Lamisil from the pharmacy.  It is awesome!
257246
Try Lunesta or (over the counter)...melatonin...it works wonders.\n\nQuestions?  Comments?  Concerns?  Email me through the link in my profile, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.  :)
980635
Hi Kevin\n\nHere are a few ideas on how to heal your condition.\n\nCause\n\nNutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and stress can all contribute to epileptic seizures and must be screened for and addressed as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Proper bowel movements two to three times a day are also important. If necessary, consider a bowel cleanse to restore healthy bowel function. \n\nPioneering holistic dentist Hal Huggins, D.D.S., has noted the improvement, and in some cases the complete disappearance of epilepsy symptoms after removing toxic dental amalgams. If you have such amalgams in your mouth, consider having them replaced by someone properly trained in Holistic Dentistry. \n\nCaution: If the individual's seizure does not stop within 5-10 minutes, seek immediate medical assistance. At the same time, be sure not to over-drug the patient, as medical drugs can actually trigger epilepsy due to their potential side effects.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nNatural Cures\n\nDiet: Individuals affected by epilepsy should eat a low-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, and eliminate fried foods, salt, sugar, meat, milk, and alcohol. For long-term care, they should follow a hypoglycemic diet (see Hypoglycemia), being sure to avoid artificial sweeteners, excessive refined carbohydrates, and caffeine. For epilepsy accompanied by sluggish bowels or constipation, also ensure that the diet is rich with fibrous foods. \n\nEmergency Techniques You Can Use When Someone Is Having A Seizure: Remain calm and move sharp objects away from the affected individual. Keep him or her from putting anything in the mouth, and loosen his or her clothing. If possible, put the person on the floor or bed and stay at the individual's side until the episode runs its course. \n\nHerbs: For petit mal epilepsy, take one teaspoon of skullcap tincture three times a day. \n\nHydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. I suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. \n\nJuice Therapy: Drink a combination of celery, carrot, and lettuce juice three times a day.\n\nNutritional Supplementation: The following nutrients can help minimize symptoms of epilepsy: L-taurine and L-tyrosine amino acids (500 mg three times daily) along with an amino acid blend (two times daily); vitamin B complex and vitamins B3 (niacin), B5, B6 and B12; calcium; choline (start with 4 g daily and increase to 10-12 g within three months); dimethyl glycine (100 mg two times daily); magnesium; manganese; and zinc. Vitamin B complex injected intramuscularly may also be helpful.\n\nNote: Sometimes essential fatty acids aggravate symptoms, so consult with a nutritional expert to determine if this is the case.\n\nAlternative Professional Care\nIf your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of epilepsy: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork, Chiropractic, Craniosacral Therapy, Detoxification Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Holistic Dentistry, Hypnotherapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Meditation, Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Reflexology, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Yoga\n\nBest of health to you\n\nCheers
640815
After reading this, get off your computer and speak with your doctor.  His medication cocktail for you is not working to your benefit.  If you need to, get a "second opinion" and don't let the cure kill you.  Good luck.
700983
Different medications work for some and not others. My MD had me try Midrin and it didn't work.\n\nHe had me try 5 different drugs before we found one that relieved my migraine.
870040
I am 29 and have Epilepsy.  I have had it since i was 7yrs old.  Seizures were controlled with medication for many years but recently started up again.  I don't know of any support groups but you can get some really good advice from people in the forum rooms on the Epilepsy Organisation Website.  They will also send you a monthly newsletter.  I found it helpful!  It's something that you just have to get on with, it's a part of your life.  Good luck. xxx
602496
I have type II Bipolar(mostly depression). I take 100mg lamictal, 300mg Zonegran(not frequently used by doctors)Relatively new still around here, but it is a seizure type medication, and 20mg prozac. These work great for me and i am able to live a normal life. In the past I had been taking 2500mg Depakote and felt terrible. I kept gaining weight and got up to over 200lbs, I was tired all the time and did not want to leave the house, My hair began falling out and I had so much edema that you could dent me like rotten fruit and I had to take lasix and aldactone to counter some of the fluids. My doctor would not switch my medications so i found one who would. With current medications I lost the 70 lbs. that I gained from depakote, I am able to work full time, manage my home and care for my children. Life is good again.
822257
Why did they change it?  My 5 year old has severe epilepsy and has been on every seizure medicine that has been made to no avail.  He now has a vagal nerve stimulator which has helped tremendously.  if you would like to chat to me some more about this feel free to message me
805709
I went through 39 years of medication and my seizures just getting worse. I started out with petit mal got complex partial, grand mal, and tried every seizure med possible. I finally went in for the brain surjery 6 years and never had another seizure. If you have the chance I would go for the surjery instead of trying all the medication I went through and losing my entire life.These doctors are very good and you need to give them a chance so you son can have his life back.