Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Epilim (Depakote) and rash
Sun, 03/13/2005 - 18:15Hi,
My 15 year daughter has been on Epilim (aka Depakote) for about a month. She broke out in a rash today- she has also had rashes with Tegretol and Lamictal. With the Tegretol and Lamictal she also got swollen lips a day or so after the rash started. So far no swollen lips but that may still be to come.
Our paediatrician is on holiday and it is Sunday here and I can't get her seen by any doctor who knows enough to help us today. So I'll have to give her her night dose of Epilim as usual and hope the rash doesn't get worse. I guess if her lips start to swell we'll head off to A&E. I can't just stop the Epilim as I know from previous experience she'll have non stop seizures.
I've never read about Valproate drugs being associated with a rash- has anyone else here had an allergic reaction to them?
Thanks
Comments
RE: Epilim (Depakote) and rash
Submitted by kirra on Sun, 2005-03-13 - 04:01
Hi
I dont know how much weight my opinion carries-but almost the same thing happened to me last year (only with different drugs). I broke out in a rash after 6weeks of being on Lamictal and then got rushed to hospital where I spent 2weeks in the intensive care ward because I got so critical.
Although I have never had a reaction to Epilim, if it was me, I would stop taking it immediately-that's what all the specialists at the hospital told me to do if I ever broke out in a rash on any drug again because they might not be able to save me next time. So I would suggest that for your daughter! But on the other hand-I'm not a doctor, I can only tell you what I have been told to do.
I really hope she gets better soon and the rash doesn't get any worse!
Kirra
Hi
I dont know how much weight my opinion carries-but almost the same thing happened to me last year (only with different drugs). I broke out in a rash after 6weeks of being on Lamictal and then got rushed to hospital where I spent 2weeks in the intensive care ward because I got so critical.
Although I have never had a reaction to Epilim, if it was me, I would stop taking it immediately-that's what all the specialists at the hospital told me to do if I ever broke out in a rash on any drug again because they might not be able to save me next time. So I would suggest that for your daughter! But on the other hand-I'm not a doctor, I can only tell you what I have been told to do.
I really hope she gets better soon and the rash doesn't get any worse!
Kirra
RE: Epilim (Depakote) and rash
Submitted by batman on Sun, 2005-03-13 - 01:42
Jennifer65,
Here’s some brief information listed under the Depakote [Epilim] medication via the website of www.epilepsy.com/medications/b_depakote_side.html. Down the list, under the Allergic reactions of the “What are the most COMMON SIDE EFFECTS of Depakote?” it mentions, “It's rare for the rash to be serious, but don't ignore it. It's often necessary to switch to a different seizure medicine.” Let the doctor know as early as possible.
Bruce IJ
Jennifer65,
Here’s some brief information listed under the Depakote [Epilim] medication via the website of www.epilepsy.com/medications/b_depakote_side.html. Down the list, under the Allergic reactions of the “What are the most COMMON SIDE EFFECTS of Depakote?” it mentions, “It's rare for the rash to be serious, but don't ignore it. It's often necessary to switch to a different seizure medicine.” Let the doctor know as early as possible.
Bruce IJ