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.
IS SWITCHING FROM PHENOBARBITAL TO VIMPAT SAFE?!
Thu, 07/02/2020 - 18:32Topic: Women With Epilepsy
I HAVE HAD SEIZURES FOR 30-YEARS. I HAVE BEEN TAKING PHENOBARBITAL (QUALITEST BRAND PREVIOUSLY WEST WARD BRAND) SCORED 5012 V. THE VA WANTS VETERANS TO ONLY TAKE GENERIC MEDICATION AS OF 2019. SO EVERY TIME I GET A REFILL, IT IS A DIFFERENT BRAND! I GET MORE AND MORE BREAK THROUGH SEIZURES. GRANTED WITH THE PILL SCORED 5012 V, I STILL HAD BREAK THROUGH SEIZURES, BUT NOT AS OFTEN AS THESE GENERICS I AM RECEIVING! MY NEUROLOGIST WANTS ME TO TRY VIMPAT! I AM VERY SCARED SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON PHENOBARBITAL FOR SO LONG! CAN ANYONE TELL HOW THEY ARE DOING ON THE VIMPAT TABLETS?! ALSO, HOW ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS COMPARED TO PHENOBARBITAL? GOOD OR WORSE?!