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Depakote to zonisamide????
Wed, 02/05/2020 - 20:01Topic: Parents & Caregivers
My 15 year old son is making the switch from1500mg of depakote to 300mg zonisamide. We are in week 1 of 3 for this transition. The reason for the change are extreme depression while on depakote. Hoping for a better outcome with zonisamide. I understand that everyone reacts differently to anti epileptic medications, but Curious if anyone has completed this particular transition and how it went?
Hi, Thank you for posting. We
Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2020-02-06 - 09:58
Hi, Thank you for posting. We are glad that you all were able to identify that Depakote was contributing to your son’s depression and that your working with his healthcare team to transition to a different medication.As you stated treatment and how the body may react to certain medications varies for each individual. The goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects. However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome or cause other health problems. To learn more about zonisamide and things to look for, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/zonisamideYou all may want to consider keeping a journal or adiary. MySeizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for recognizing and tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other therapies or personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. It’s common for those who are in caregiver role to feel overwhelmed. It’s important to remember that you are not alone, and that you're taking care of yourself and making your health and overall well-being a priority. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/Caregivers%20factsheet.pdf It may also be helpful to connect with other parents who may have similar experiences, to ask questions, find & give support to each other,by visiting: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/parents-and-caregivers/parents-helping-parents Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates , find support groups, events, and programs in your community.