Trileptal Update

[Ricochet]

Hello everyone!

Just thought I would post an update on my experience with the drug Trileptal that I have been on for several months now.

I still cannot believe how much this drug is helping me (I am sometimes afraid I am just in a type of remission) but I think it is the med that is helping me. Since Feb 21st, 2004 when I doubled the dose to the full amount the nuerologist wanted me on (I'm sure it could go higher if it didn't work) I have been doing very well, NO POPS! It has been so good that I have tried cutting the morning dose in half again to 150mg and staying on 300mg at night.

So far so good, if it starts popping again I will go back to the 300mg in the a.m. but thought I would just test this and see if I can stay on the reduced a.m. dose as I really dislike taking meds.

I am continuing to taper off the clonazepam (Klonipin) but slowly. I am now at .25mg three times a day. Can't wait to cut out that midday dose next! I have not had any problems with my tapering so maybe SLOW is the key.

That's all for now
Karen

[kai]

Hi Karen,

this is good news!

Trileptal is an anticonvulsant. Do you feel that it make you tired?

I have been taking very small doses of clonazepam (Klonopin), 0.125mg to 0.25mg when needed. I have no problems with them, but I am ofcourse hesitant to take them for a long time. Is there any chance of dependency with Trileptal?

Good luck!
kai

[Ricochet]

Hello Kai,

In answer to your question, no, Trileptal does not make me tired but I think I am on a pretty low dose and thankfully this low dose is working for me. The bottle does say MAY cause dizziness or drowsiness but that is just a possibility not a definate symptom. I have had no problems with the Trileptal.

Also, I do not believe it is habit forming as my neurologist said I could stop at any time, don't have to taper off. Right now I don't want to stop taking it as it is helping me. We'll see what he says in May.

I think Trileptal is worth trying, if you don't like how it makes you feel you can always stop.

I think any tiredness I have is caused more by the Clonazepam (Klonipin). I am still at .25mg three times per day right now waiting to cut back again soon.

Again, your concern about taking the Klonipin for too long should not be a problem as long as you taper off SLOWLY.

Good Luck,
Karen