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Does Epilim Cause Tremors During Sleep?
My girlfriend takes epilim 500 & 300. Ive noticed some light tremors during her sleep and she wakes up alot in a fright. Could these be side effects of the drug? What are the implications of weaning off these pills? Can it be done if she hasn t had an epileptic episode for a year?
Thu, 6 Nov 2014
Hello,
Welcome to HCM
I appreciate your concern for your girlfriend.
Tremors, confusion, agitation and aggression can occur as side effects of Epilim ( Sodium Valproate).
Since she is taking Epilim for epilepsy ( there are other indications also for epilim), she should be at least 2-5 years without any seizure to think of tapering the drug and stopping it. The risk of relapse then is about 20 - 25 %. Earlier tapering and stopping increases risk i.e 40% or more
She should be reviewed by her neurologist who might suggest another drug if the symptoms are intolerable.
Wish her the best,
Dr Noble Zachariah
Welcome to HCM
I appreciate your concern for your girlfriend.
Tremors, confusion, agitation and aggression can occur as side effects of Epilim ( Sodium Valproate).
Since she is taking Epilim for epilepsy ( there are other indications also for epilim), she should be at least 2-5 years without any seizure to think of tapering the drug and stopping it. The risk of relapse then is about 20 - 25 %. Earlier tapering and stopping increases risk i.e 40% or more
She should be reviewed by her neurologist who might suggest another drug if the symptoms are intolerable.
Wish her the best,
Dr Noble Zachariah
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