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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Reason For The Seizures And Was Prescribed Divalproex And To Be Taken On Long Term?

My son had a seizure 2 1/2 years ago. We don't know what brought it on. He had an EEG and an MRI done at that time. He was never prescribed any medication at the time, and we were glad of that. He had another seizure approx. a week and a half ago. again, we were not sure what brought it on. He was taken by ambulance from his high-school and was observed in hospital for about an hour, and sent home. We were prescribed Lorazipan in case the seizure lasted for more than 3 minutes. We were away from the house last Saturday and he was home with his sister when he had another one that lasted for under 1 minute. We spoke to the Neurologist on-call that evening, and he spoke to us about the incident and answered some of our questions, but didn't want to get too involved because he was not familiar with our son, and another Neurologist had been observing my son in the past, and he would pass the information to her on Monday. My wife followed up with her today, via telephone, and she prescribed APO-DIVALPROEX for our son, who is 15. When I picked up the prescription today, the pharmacist came out to speak to me about it and informed me that this is some seriously strong medication, with some potential side-effects. I am now worried about administering this drug to my son. Is this a knee-jerk reaction from the neurologist to control this because he had 2 seizures in just over a week, or does he need to be on this medication. The pharmacist informed me that this drug is taken long-term, and when started, can't be just stopped. I am very interested in your reply.
Kurt
Mon, 23 Dec 2013
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Neurologist 's  Response
Dear Kurt epilepsy nowdays can be treated with several antiepileptic drugs.Anyway the first step is to be sure that you son is an epileptic or not.Teorically if the patient have more than one seizure he need to take medication.Epileptic seizure in most cases are provoced by one cause such as fever, drug abuse or energetic, caffetin drinks.Once started treatment should be taken for a long time at least 3 years.Talk to your neurologist and ask him if levetiracetam would be a good way to treat your son or not?hopping my advice will help you dont hesitate to contact for further questions
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What Is The Reason For The Seizures And Was Prescribed Divalproex And To Be Taken On Long Term?

Dear Kurt epilepsy nowdays can be treated with several antiepileptic drugs.Anyway the first step is to be sure that you son is an epileptic or not.Teorically if the patient have more than one seizure he need to take medication.Epileptic seizure in most cases are provoced by one cause such as fever, drug abuse or energetic, caffetin drinks.Once started treatment should be taken for a long time at least 3 years.Talk to your neurologist and ask him if levetiracetam would be a good way to treat your son or not?hopping my advice will help you dont hesitate to contact for further questions