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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Substitute Medication For Dilantin And Depakote To Control Seizures

A 65 year old family member has been taking dilantin and depakote for approx 40 years to control seizures caused by a head injury. This person still has seizures. The long term effects are memory loss, hand tremors, toxicity, huge loss of appetite causing weakness, falls, hospitalizations and injuries. Dilantin dose is decreased when toxicity occurs and then seizures occur. Is there another medication that would be helpful. Current appetite loss is of major concern.
posted on Sat, 14 Jun 2014
Twitter Sat, 3 Feb 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 5 Feb 2018 Last reviewed on
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic!

There are many options nowadays for this type of situation but it does require more detail about the SEIZURES themselves, their localization would also be helpful, and also some bloodwork to see the levels of the 2 drugs. Many adjunctive options which will work well BUT ALL ANTI-SEIZURE drugs have the side effects you mention when taken long term. Please rate this a 5 STAR CONSULT and write to me at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi with more questions.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Dariush Saghafi, Neurologis
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Suggest Substitute Medication For Dilantin And Depakote To Control Seizures

Hello! Welcome to HealthcareMagic! There are many options nowadays for this type of situation but it does require more detail about the SEIZURES themselves, their localization would also be helpful, and also some bloodwork to see the levels of the 2 drugs. Many adjunctive options which will work well BUT ALL ANTI-SEIZURE drugs have the side effects you mention when taken long term. Please rate this a 5 STAR CONSULT and write to me at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi with more questions. Take care Regards, Dr. Dariush Saghafi, Neurologis