Hi Folks,
Some 5 years after completely successful craniotomy to remove avm in my right front lobe, I had one seizure. My doctor informed me that I'd be on anti-epileptic drugs for my whole life (specifically lamotrigine / lamritical). Can that possibly be healthy? I'm also concerned that the same medicine is used to treat bipolar. I'm not looking to mute my personality. Has anyone on here been on anti-epileptic medicine for 10, 20, 30+ years? Thanks all.
-Chad
Cap, the seizure group is a good place for information about these medications. Some members have been able to taper off the meds gradually under medical supervision. Other members have used medical marijuana to control seizures.
http://www.avmsurvivors.org/group/avm-with-seizures-epilepsy
Hi Cap,
Our son has been on Lamitcal for probably 10 years, since high school. He's lost 70 pounds and married a DOLL. Together, they look like Ken and Barbie!
My wife has been on Tegretol (Carbitrol) since 1993. She is HOT.
Alas, I don't think either of these can be attributed to anti-S drugs(big grin). But neither has developed any negative effects.
Hope this brightens your day.
Ron, KS
Been on Dilantin for 25 years at various dosages. Been on Neurontin for about 15 at various dosages. I’m 52. No long term issues far as I or my doctors can tell.
One of my best friends has epilepsy…not AVM related. She has been on anti-seizure meds since 1980. She was an International Flight Attendant for years. She is not muted in any way.
The key is the right medication with the correct amount of rest and limit alcohol intake. Those are her words…not mine.
Hi Chad,
I have been on Neurontin for 18 years (4800 mg daily) and no side effects that I am aware of. No more seizures, I still have an active AVM and average 2 embolizations a year. There we a coupl e anti-seizure meds I tried early on that made me very sick & made the headaches worse! You might have to experiment. Hope that helps you.