Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
On Epilim For 30 Years, Steady Increase In Weight, No Seizures. Any Alternatives I Can Take ?
i have been on Epilim for 30 years beginning when I was 19 for epilepsy . When I am on Epilim my weight steadily increases and I am now morbidly obese. In my pregnancies I was on other medications and the weight dropped off. I feel caught in the good control Epilim offers as I have been seizure free for nearly 20 years and the weight gain which must be having negative side effects. I also have a family history of heart disease so I am quite concerned. Can you suggest any alternatives or approach I should take
Mon, 18 Feb 2013
Hello,
I am an Epileptologist responding to you
Before i respond to your question, i will tell you that the treatment of epilepsy depends upon the exact classification. This can be done by clinical evaluation, EEG test and MRI scan and if needed genetic/other tests. All these tests will help us classify the type of epilepsy and help us select a good medicine for the patient.
Back to you, The medicine that you are taking causes weigh gain. In the absence of other data (the exact type of epilepsy, EEG can help classify the epilepsy type), though it is not wise to advise medicine, the other options could be Topiramate (this will help you loose weight), lamotrigine, levetiracaetam etc. Please visit a neurologist/epilepsy specialist and they will help you select a good drug which will help you in both the ways
Best wishes
I am an Epileptologist responding to you
Before i respond to your question, i will tell you that the treatment of epilepsy depends upon the exact classification. This can be done by clinical evaluation, EEG test and MRI scan and if needed genetic/other tests. All these tests will help us classify the type of epilepsy and help us select a good medicine for the patient.
Back to you, The medicine that you are taking causes weigh gain. In the absence of other data (the exact type of epilepsy, EEG can help classify the epilepsy type), though it is not wise to advise medicine, the other options could be Topiramate (this will help you loose weight), lamotrigine, levetiracaetam etc. Please visit a neurologist/epilepsy specialist and they will help you select a good drug which will help you in both the ways
Best wishes
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Dear Patient
The type of epilepsy is important in choosing the right drug. According to data you have given it seems that you must have had primary generalised epilepsy for which sodium valproate is a drug of choice. But if it causing weight gain then options are
1. diet and exercise which I am sure you are doing
2. Switching over to other drug which does not cause weight gain-- like lamotrigine or levetirecetam
Hope this answers your query
The type of epilepsy is important in choosing the right drug. According to data you have given it seems that you must have had primary generalised epilepsy for which sodium valproate is a drug of choice. But if it causing weight gain then options are
1. diet and exercise which I am sure you are doing
2. Switching over to other drug which does not cause weight gain-- like lamotrigine or levetirecetam
Hope this answers your query
I find this answer helpful
1 Doctor agrees with this answer
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Epilim
Loading Online Doctors....