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DEPAKOTE ER VS LAMICTAL
Thu, 12/08/2005 - 17:58Topic: Medication Issues
hi, my beautiful 14 yr old girl just started on depakote er for jme. neuro debated between this med & lamictal, and decided upon the dep. er. I don't at all like what i have read about it, although my daughter is doing well so far. Is there anyone out there with anything positive to say about it? And should I lobby for a switch to Lamictal? Only thing i really notice is, she is more tired in the morning.
Appreciate any replies.
Re: Hi, Wow, I can really relate
Submitted by bil on Wed, 2005-12-21 - 12:30
Depakote ER is simply a new way to deliver valproic acid to the brain. It works by slowly releasing medicine from the tablets swallowed over about 22 hours. Physicians choose the ER (extended release) formulation because they believe it will reduce side effects as compared to the older form of Depakote. The risk/benefit ratio has been established (over 20 years of use)such that it is one of the most common prescriptions written where indicated, and it may be used to an even greater extent outside of labeling. Depakote ER is safe and effective. Your Neurologist based his/her decision with this risk/benefit ratio in mind...when considering lamictal one has to keep in mind the following: lamictal has been shown to worsen certain seizure types including JME. The risk of serious adverse events is higher with lamictal due mostly to the risk of rash potentially leading to SJS. Depakote ER is a drug of choice for this seizure type, and the majority of patients who are prescribed it do well.