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Suggest Treatment For Skin Rashes In A Epilepsy Patient
Question: Hi ,
My name is XXXX and I've been taking epilepsy medicines for about 15 years now. Initially(during childhood) I was having a small problem like - pen jerking away from hand, getting absent minded for 2 seconds etc.The doctor asked me to take valparin 200(1-0-1) and I continued it for around 3 years.I did miss it sometimes and once I had a major seizure and doctor advised me to take Valparin chrono 300(1-0-1).I continued it for around 5 years and after that I had a check up (EGG) and I was told by the doctor that its ok now and asked to reduce the medicine. By mistake I stopped it altogether and after some 3 months I had another seizure. Doctor told me to continue the same medicine. I took the dosage as (0-0-2) for about 5 years and before marriage I reduced it to 1-0-0) and Im continuing it with this now.I feel ok now.Im noticing skin rashes, guess this could be the side effect.Im a little obese aswell.I sincerely want to stop now.Can I stop it now? Please guide
My name is XXXX and I've been taking epilepsy medicines for about 15 years now. Initially(during childhood) I was having a small problem like - pen jerking away from hand, getting absent minded for 2 seconds etc.The doctor asked me to take valparin 200(1-0-1) and I continued it for around 3 years.I did miss it sometimes and once I had a major seizure and doctor advised me to take Valparin chrono 300(1-0-1).I continued it for around 5 years and after that I had a check up (EGG) and I was told by the doctor that its ok now and asked to reduce the medicine. By mistake I stopped it altogether and after some 3 months I had another seizure. Doctor told me to continue the same medicine. I took the dosage as (0-0-2) for about 5 years and before marriage I reduced it to 1-0-0) and Im continuing it with this now.I feel ok now.Im noticing skin rashes, guess this could be the side effect.Im a little obese aswell.I sincerely want to stop now.Can I stop it now? Please guide
Brief Answer:
Detailed evaluation is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your history and medication details.
I agree with you that long term anti-epileptic medications may lead to adverse effects and if possible, it should be discontinued.
However, prior to that, you need a detailed evaluation, including MRI brain and EEG. If both are normal and you have been seizure-free for more than 5 years, the medication may be discontinued. The medicine should not be suddenly stopped. The medicine dose should be slowly reduced and stopped, under the guidance of a neurologist.
Regarding the possible side effects such as skin rash and weight gain, it may be related to anti-epileptic medication. Please show to your doctor once for confirmation of the same.
I hope my reply has helped you.
I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
Detailed evaluation is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXXXXX
Thank you for posting your query.
I have noted your history and medication details.
I agree with you that long term anti-epileptic medications may lead to adverse effects and if possible, it should be discontinued.
However, prior to that, you need a detailed evaluation, including MRI brain and EEG. If both are normal and you have been seizure-free for more than 5 years, the medication may be discontinued. The medicine should not be suddenly stopped. The medicine dose should be slowly reduced and stopped, under the guidance of a neurologist.
Regarding the possible side effects such as skin rash and weight gain, it may be related to anti-epileptic medication. Please show to your doctor once for confirmation of the same.
I hope my reply has helped you.
I would be pleased to answer, if you have any follow up queries or if you require any further information.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX
For DIRECT QUERY to me: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Dr XXXXXXX
Can you guide me on the following
Some people say that epilepsy medicines needs to be continued for the whole life time.Is this correct?
What if I continue with one dose of valparin chrono 300 a day?Do I have any health hazards apart from the side effects that I mentioned?
Can you guide me on the following
Some people say that epilepsy medicines needs to be continued for the whole life time.Is this correct?
What if I continue with one dose of valparin chrono 300 a day?Do I have any health hazards apart from the side effects that I mentioned?
Brief Answer:
Replies are below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
1. About 30% of people with epilepsy need medications lifelong. These are the people who get seizures, while we taper and stop anti-epileptic drugs. However, in the remaining 70% patients with epilepsy, the medications can be stopped after 3-5 years of seizure-freedom.
2. If needed, valparin chrono can be continued for lifelong, as it is a safe and effective anti-epileptic drug.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Replies are below.
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.
1. About 30% of people with epilepsy need medications lifelong. These are the people who get seizures, while we taper and stop anti-epileptic drugs. However, in the remaining 70% patients with epilepsy, the medications can be stopped after 3-5 years of seizure-freedom.
2. If needed, valparin chrono can be continued for lifelong, as it is a safe and effective anti-epileptic drug.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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