Lamotrigine and Sodium Valproate.

[Michael_M]

My neurologist is now talking about adding Sodium Valproate to my current 400mg daily dose of Lamotrigine. Does anyone else take that combination and if so how has it been?

And what other drugs are people taking along with Lamotrigine?

[Hidden]

Lamictal should be maxed to 750mg before you consider another drug. Lamictal is a monotherapy drug. If it doesn't work at that level, another drug should be gradually phased in and Lamictal phased out. SV is ancient. Your neurolgist is prescribing you a drug which he learnt all about at university.

[Michael_M in reply to Hidden]

Thanks so much. I know what you mean about SV. But if the Lamotrigine is maxed and the seizures don’t stop (Transient Epileptic Amnesia in my case) what would be a better alternative to take along with Lamotrigine?

[johnearthman1]

I don't know about Sodium Valporate, but started on Lamotrogine some 10 years ago and seizures reduced. After some time, (6-12 months - don't remember exactly) Keppra was added and seizures stopped altogether and I started driving again 7 years ago and have not had a seizure, or signs of one since. OK, some of the side effects are a nuisance and it is a lifetime treatment, but I would rather put up with them and be able to drive which I love.

[Michael_M in reply to johnearthman1]

Thank you very much, Keppra has been mentioned by others too.

Can I ask what dose of each drug do you now take? And what side-effects do you mean? Thanks again.

[Hidden in reply to Michael_M]

I assume you're taking Lamictal and not a generic.

[Michael_M in reply to Hidden]

Yes, thanks to your earlier advice I managed to persuade my doctor to specifically prescribe Lamictal, starting a couple of weeks ago.

[Michael_M in reply to johnearthman1]

Hia there, can I quiz you again please? My seizures are “partial” so I don’t lose consciousness and just go blank. We’re your seizures similar to this at all or a different type?

[Hidden]

Glad you managed to switch. Cut-priced generics sold in the UK aren't available here. They produce different blood levels etc. etc. Lamictal is the lamotrigine drug of choice. They developed it in the first place.

[Adlon57 in reply to Hidden]

Depends on your type of epilepsy, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, over 400 grand mal seizures, for 52 years, I do not like Lamictal, it had two bad side effects, when taken on its own, very bad "night terrors", and they almost rotted my teeth, going to the dentist is a pleasure, after stopping them for four years "OK! you're clear, see you in six months!"😂

[Hidden]

Anticonvulsants cannot cause tooth rot. Find a better neurologist. A specialist. Not a hospital, expected to know everything consultant.

[Adlon57 in reply to Hidden]

I beg to differ!😷ask my dentist!🥶

[Adlon57 in reply to Adlon57]

I was on Lamictal/Epilim 2010 -2016 Lamictal/Fycompa 2016-2017, I started my present mixture Vimpat/Briviact April 2018. Teeth were falling out of my gums, actually taking one out by hand, my dentist mentioned that "Are you taking Lamictal?" I said yes, "that's your problem!" the difference since I stopped taking them😁 I have absolutely no reason to doubt her! Long term use about eight years I believe did not help them! When solely on them in transition I had night terrors, which I have commented on many times on HU over the years, likewise with my dental experiences!

[Hidden]

Everthing I put on this forum is medically verified. Don't believe everything a guy in a white coat tells you.