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Diagnosed With Neurocysticercosis, Had A Seizure. Been Taking Levipil. Done MRI And CT Scan. What Is The Root Cause?
Hi,
I'm 27 yrs old and I've been taking levipil 1000mg and Oxetol 300mg both twice daily since July 2012 as i was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis. I just had one seizure in july 2012 and immediately the root cause was diagnosed. Since then I've been on medication. I wonder till how long do i need to continue these medicines. I've never missed any dose and take my medicines on time. Also, the medicines do not have any side effects on me. Just that taking medicine daily does not make me feel good :) and I hope one day doctor ask me to stop the medication. Is it that i can stop these medicines all of a sudden or will the dosage be decreased gradually before stopping it. I've attached the last MRI scan which was done in May 2013. Is another MRI or CT scan required to be done in future to monitor the progress? If yes, when should i get it done? Also, my case was going on in India and now i've moved to US. As per my last conversation with my doctor in India he suggested me to continue the medicine for another year. However, he was of the opinion that dosage can be reduced but he just wanted to be extra cautious as he was aware of my plan to move to US. Do you feel that I really need to continue the same dosage for another year or should i get another scan done and mark the progress?
I'm 27 yrs old and I've been taking levipil 1000mg and Oxetol 300mg both twice daily since July 2012 as i was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis. I just had one seizure in july 2012 and immediately the root cause was diagnosed. Since then I've been on medication. I wonder till how long do i need to continue these medicines. I've never missed any dose and take my medicines on time. Also, the medicines do not have any side effects on me. Just that taking medicine daily does not make me feel good :) and I hope one day doctor ask me to stop the medication. Is it that i can stop these medicines all of a sudden or will the dosage be decreased gradually before stopping it. I've attached the last MRI scan which was done in May 2013. Is another MRI or CT scan required to be done in future to monitor the progress? If yes, when should i get it done? Also, my case was going on in India and now i've moved to US. As per my last conversation with my doctor in India he suggested me to continue the medicine for another year. However, he was of the opinion that dosage can be reduced but he just wanted to be extra cautious as he was aware of my plan to move to US. Do you feel that I really need to continue the same dosage for another year or should i get another scan done and mark the progress?
posted on
Wed, 25 Sep 2013
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Thu, 26 Sep 2013
Answered on
Fri, 27 Sep 2013
Last reviewed on
Hello
Welcome to HCM
You have episode of seizure in July 2012 and neurocysticercosis was diagnosed. You are taking Levetiracetam 1000 mg per day along with Carbamazepine 300 mg per day since July 2012. You want to discontinue the medicines. I would like to tell you that as per guidelines after start of therapy the drugs should be taken for at least 3 years after last episode. It is not advisable to discontinue the drugs by own and dont ever think of stopping the medicines abruptly as this may result in rebound seizure. There is no need for MRI or CT scan right now but at the end of 3 years there is need for these investigations.
Thanks
Welcome to HCM
You have episode of seizure in July 2012 and neurocysticercosis was diagnosed. You are taking Levetiracetam 1000 mg per day along with Carbamazepine 300 mg per day since July 2012. You want to discontinue the medicines. I would like to tell you that as per guidelines after start of therapy the drugs should be taken for at least 3 years after last episode. It is not advisable to discontinue the drugs by own and dont ever think of stopping the medicines abruptly as this may result in rebound seizure. There is no need for MRI or CT scan right now but at the end of 3 years there is need for these investigations.
Thanks
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