Posted by PattyG on January 18, 2002, at 11:29:11
In reply to Effexor and anticonvulsants » PattyG, posted by TSA West on January 17, 2002, at 20:44:47
(TSA wrote)
Effexor is less likely to cause seizures than other psychotropic agents (most namely, tricyclics). But its terrible to think that a drug with beneficial effects on emotional health could possibly be dangerous./////But what scares me is that the information I've recently read says to discontinue if seizures are an issue. I do believe he's far more stable now than in the past, but he does need to be on something.
Consider asking your doctor about mood-stabilizing anticonvulsants that have definite antidepressant qualities (in unipolars as well as bipolars) like Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Another idea is to switch him to fosphenytoin, which combines Dilantin's efficacy with fewer side-effects.////I guess I would wonder why the neurologist wouldn't have even suggested that himself, you know? He said that ALL antidepressants can cause or contribute to seizures........yeah?......well then why was he so cock-sure the culprit was the Wellbutrin after the first seizure, but doesn't think it could be the Effexor now? My son never did reach a "therapeutic level" with the Dilantin so I'm not sure about the Fosphenytoin (never heard of it and am wondering why doc didn't mention that............although methinks he's one of those who can't quite spit out, "I don't know"..............)
Thanks so much for your input.
poster:PattyG
thread:90646
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020116/msgs/90686.html