Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hi There, I Had A Seizure In December 2011 And
Posted on
Sat, 15 Feb 2020
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 15 Feb 2020
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi there,
I had a seizure in December 2011 and twice in 2012. Later on in 2012, we went to a neurologist and he did an EEG and diagnosed me with epilepsy. I have been taking Epilim since 2013 and have been taking a daily dosage of 1200mg for the past 7 years and wish to come off Epilim.
As well as that, I have been receiving something similar to absence attacks - periods where I don't know where I am at times. It lasts for <10s I believe. Also, since 2019, I get a strange sensation and then suddenly feel nauseous. I am unsure if this is a side effect of Epilim.
I read online that a person had come off a daily Epilim dosage of 1400mg by substituting it with ethosuximide. However, the person had experienced withdrawal symptoms e.g. unable to sleep at night. The person got given diazepam to help get through the insomnia. Eventually, the person got off Epilim. I was wondering if I could undergo a similar procedure, as I have not received any grande mal seizures for the past 7 years.
What can I do to get off Epilim entirely?
Please advice me.
Thanks,
XXXXXXX Kamboj
I had a seizure in December 2011 and twice in 2012. Later on in 2012, we went to a neurologist and he did an EEG and diagnosed me with epilepsy. I have been taking Epilim since 2013 and have been taking a daily dosage of 1200mg for the past 7 years and wish to come off Epilim.
As well as that, I have been receiving something similar to absence attacks - periods where I don't know where I am at times. It lasts for <10s I believe. Also, since 2019, I get a strange sensation and then suddenly feel nauseous. I am unsure if this is a side effect of Epilim.
I read online that a person had come off a daily Epilim dosage of 1400mg by substituting it with ethosuximide. However, the person had experienced withdrawal symptoms e.g. unable to sleep at night. The person got given diazepam to help get through the insomnia. Eventually, the person got off Epilim. I was wondering if I could undergo a similar procedure, as I have not received any grande mal seizures for the past 7 years.
What can I do to get off Epilim entirely?
Please advice me.
Thanks,
XXXXXXX Kamboj
Brief Answer:
The decision should be taken together with the Neurologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query.
If you experience adverse effects of Epilim, and it is not controlling the seizures, it is reasonable to think about switching the medication.
Ethosuximide is an antiseizure drug with minimal possible adverse effects and may be suitable in your case.
These issues should be discussed and decided with your Neurologist.
If the decision will be to stop Epilim it should be tapered gradually, not cold turkey.
Again, discuss with your Neurologist for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
The decision should be taken together with the Neurologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.
I have read your query.
If you experience adverse effects of Epilim, and it is not controlling the seizures, it is reasonable to think about switching the medication.
Ethosuximide is an antiseizure drug with minimal possible adverse effects and may be suitable in your case.
These issues should be discussed and decided with your Neurologist.
If the decision will be to stop Epilim it should be tapered gradually, not cold turkey.
Again, discuss with your Neurologist for these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
