Epilim

I have been on Epilim now for 17 years, due to some Grand Mal seizures since I was 15, but prior to Epilim I was on Tegretol, taken off Tegretol due to more side effects to the liver than Epilim has.
All together I have now been on Anit-Convulsant drugs for the last 32 years. I wouldn't say my weight gain is all due to the taking of this medication but am now having to go up slowly from 500mg x 2 a day to taking 1000 x 2 a day.
I am sure all those really concerned with side effects, go and see your doctor and demand why this is happening and ask to be removed from the medication if you think it is giving you all of these issues, but also in saying that you also need to let the medication be able to get into your system at a certain level for a certain length of time for it to be really effective on why it was prescribed.
My reason for the increase now is that I suffer with chronic debilitating back pain along with my brain waves still showing activity there for epilepsy. I was in shock and am hoping I don't myself gain anymore weight as the middle age spread has done enough of that for me and with having my bad pain in the back, it is a lot harder to do any exercise.
I have never experienced suicidal thoughts, nor have I had erratic mood swings. I have however felt very tired when first using the medication all those years ago.For the person having to take so much above and then she mentions all the side effects she is having, again write everything down and let your doctor know, make sure they listen and if they don't well go and see another doctor, although this would be a first to hear that Epilim is being used to regulate your cycle every month, I would not be seeing a normal GP about that but making an appointment to see a specialist in that field.
I am grateful that I have not had too many side effects but will let you know when my dose has increased to the amount my specialist wishes me to take, although one more moment of fog brain and I will then need to find yet another medication as this is a 3rd attempt to stop neurological pain in my back
All the best to everyone and take care x

Ive been on epilim cr 500 three times a day since having a traumatic head injury following a traffic accident between my bike and a car which wasn't my fault! After two weeks in a coma, two weeks being a bit dopey in hospital an a further two months recovering from a broken wrist, broken femur and a mashed left frontal lobe. I haven't had one single side effect either with the medication or my mental functions. I'm just a wee bit worried about 3 times a day when the guidelines say twice a day.I'm also looking for any info on how long I'm going to be taking them? Any feedback would be appreciated.

perscribed 2000mg of epilim to be taken over a 24 hour period for borderline personality disorder,to aid in mood stabilisation. i have been on this dose for about a month now , i have been on epilim for about 6 months. long term side effects for me have been weight gain, fatique, feeling flat, low concentration, and feeling detached from surroundings and people.
short term side effects (when dose has been increased over the period of 6 months ) have been nausea, anger, tiredness, loss of appetite and gain of appetite, and poor concentration.
the positive of this medication has been , erratic moods have been stabilised, thinking has become more rational, not effected as much emotionally by social surroundings.
my concerns on this medication is the long term effects on my system, as i have read that it can cause long term damage on red blood cell platlets, bone marrow deterioration, and organ damage, i have liver function tests every month.

I'm 29 male and have been on Epilim for a year and a half. I've noticed in the last 6 months I have put on fat around my stomach, I'm a profetional dancer and exercise alot so I think it's the Epilim. It's hard to deal with as I've never had a bit of fat on me. I want to go off it but not sure what else I can go on? I was on Dilantin but it was the worst thing I have experienced, I was mean and depressed and couldn't concentrate or learn anything and I didn't want to be in public at all or around anyone! I sugest to never ever go on Dilantin for epilepsy.

I am now 37 and have been on epilim for the past 19 years. I stuggle alot with my weight and have even considered a gastric bypass but after doing some research found out that people who suffered from epilepsy who had the operatin only got worse so decided against it. I also struggle with hairloss. So glad to see i am not the only one.

my niece is turning 4 next month. her doctor perscribed her Epilim over a week ago as she was having small seizures lasting about a minute or two. she has not been diagnosed with Epilepsy yet, but she is still having the seizures and she has lost her apetite. any advice

My son is on epilim, according to the dr's it is a mood stabelizer. He turns 23 in Nov, staying with his father
and i am concerned because Jarrett does not take his tablets as perscribed. Please advise

Regards

Salome

My son is on epilim, according to the dr's it is a mood stabelizer. He turns 23 in Nov, staying with his father
and i am concerned because Jarrett does not take his tablets as perscribed. Please advise

Regards

Salome

i have bi polar and have been taking lithium for about 6 years but came off it to go on epilim so far all i have is a bad headache and feel very flat.

have bipolor and take 500mg twice a day aswell as zoloft,extreme weight gain up to 91kg ,and needing to loose 25kg,have had personal trainer,exersize daily,loose around 12kg then put all back on with a little more,sure its from epelim,also take zoloft,also get sore pimples on fece from time to time,am 45 and a little tired of the merry go round,thinking of going of the epelim,doctor tells me weight gain isnt a side effect and after reading these comments ,im sure it is,i still want to stabalize my moods,anyone have any wisdom to share?thanks

I've taken epilim for over a year now and i still have seizures, i'm wondering is it normal to have chest paons after having a seizure?? all this pains driving me nuts and i'm failing school cause i cant go. :/

Me to

I have gain 20kg to date.
Hands trembling slightly

been reading posts - my eplium has just been doubled because of bi-polar symptoms .. reading posts and think it would be easier to live life a little crazy - nice to hear some hope. Thanks.

yep, im on 750 daily and my hair is really thinning and shedding, ive zero confidence my personality has lost its mojo and i battle with depression daily, t

I went to rehab and was diagnosed with Bipolar within two days. I used drugs for ten years and alcohol for 20. When I admitted myself to rehab, I was high... Not proud of it, but I have been clean for two months now (with the help from therapists - 1 year program).
Two and a half years after I got diagnosed with Bipolar, I am still drinking 1 000mg's of Epilim per day. All the side effects listed (except for the weight gain & hair loss) is a daily struggle for me. The Flat Mood (or Depression) is so severe, that I lost all perspective on reality - I seriously considered commiting suicide in April this year. Not to mention the severity of the other side effects (I twitch so hecticly that I can't even write properly anymore).
After this two and a half year struggle - only to find out that a person have to be clean from any form of drugs for a full year before they can be diagnosed with Bipolar.
I have a session with my psychiatrist tomorrow and will defnitely discuss the side effects and request that she start lowering the dosage a.s.a.p.
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Get a second opinion if you're not happy and not feeling well. We need to take charge and live - not let one diagnosis and hectic dosages of pills ruin our lives.

it scared my daugher so much that she called the ambulance at 2 in the morning while i had a minor attack but she said she was so scared she could have died which was highly inappropriate i have been on epilim 500 for almost 4-5 years now and haven't had a really big major attack but i have had memory loss every now and again but my hir wot stop fallin out is that one of the side effects??? :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[

I find it hard too loose weight, also doent help with my mood as i was a slim person. I now have thyroid problems and blood problems causing me to break out in bruises if i stratch to hard ect.... quite long process to wind down off the meds about 6/7weeks is very long,but any sooner and i would have huge mood swings feelings of aggravation and very low tollerance to people.
I have been on this medicine for almost 2years but before this i had a beautiful baby girl, now trying for a baby for a good while now 8 months still no joy, could be due to side effects. Weight gain, Stress from not having any meds as I am BI polar type2. Could also be from rare blood disorder that I have developed vascalitis! I am thinking of coming off meds again as I just went back on them 3 weeks ago and still dont feel much better. I am only 31yrs old but yet have so many health complaints attending clinics ect that i find it stressful to go back to college n hold down a job as i need days off for treatment. I have a morgage so I need to keep an extra income coming in.

MY NAME IS PHYLLIS I AM 48 YEARS OF AGE. FIVE YEARS AGO I WAS DIAGONED WITH BIPOLAR.I STARTED TAKING EPILIM THEN I TAKE 900 UNFORTUNALTELY I HAVE PUT ON 40KGS. IT LOOKS LIKE I HAVE EPISODES EVERY 5 YEARS . I HAVE JUST HAD ANOTHER EPISODE AND EVERYTHING IS BACK TO NORMAL NOW. IHAVE BEEN BEEN GOING TO THE GYM THE LAST 4 MONTHS 6TIMES AWEEK IHAVE STARTED TO LOOSE THE WEIGHT NOW. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT. I ALSO HAVE A THYROID PROBLEM AND ARE POLYSTIC . CAN ANYONE HELP

I was taking Epilem for having one siezure.I had taken this drug for 17 years and through two pregnancies. Mood swings,irrational,unable to cope depression,confusion and emotional overwhelmed. Weight gain was a huge factor.
I have not taken any for three months now and Feel the fog has lifted I feel aware of myself,emotions and more present.
I only took 400mg per day and that is a low dose.
I would recomend speaking to your Doctor and if poss try something else. I feel like my life has just turned a huge corner.
All the best to you both,love and light.

I have been on epilim chrono 700 per day for 11 years (since i was 20) and have been suffering from bouts of depression which have never really gone away since then. recently it has occured to me that there may be a connection. has anyone else suffered from depression as a result of epilim?

i Have been on epilim too for a couple of months and im having same problem, i cant lose weight and im twicthing all the time and my peti mals are more ferquent and much worse. im going to ask to be put back on the keppre, iam also on lamictal and pregablain, i went on the epilim cos the peti mals were frequent (10 an hour), so they reduced the keppre now im worse. If you want to talk about this u can email me anionix54@hotmail.com . Thank you

i have gained 50 pounds from being on epilim over the past year but i have not experiened any seizures during this time

SINCE I'VE BEEN ON EPILIM I GAINED 20KG AND I'VE TRIED EVERYTHING TO LOOSE THE WEIGHT BUT IT IS AS IF THE EPILIM PREVENTS ME FROM LOOSING WEIGHT. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

I have a 12year old daughter she is on 300mg Epilim twice a day. She was on once a day and it has now for a month been increased to twice a day. Since then she has picked up a tremendous amount of weight and even though a, A student she has now become a student not intrested in anything not even her school work because she is not able to remember things and focus in class. Her aggression comes and goes her behaviour also abnormal from time to time and very irritable.
She has also been having lots of suicidal thoughts because i think she is so confused about what is happening to her and don't know how to deal with it.
My question is, is the double dose to much for her?????

I've been on 500mg epilim for over 7 years. Never had suicidal thoughts but irritable and tired all the time. I also blame it for my hair loss! I want to see if I can reduce the dosage as I haven't had a seizure for many years. But maybe its worth the side effects cos its doing its job.  

i have only been on these tablets for a day but just wondering what side effects are. people i know have been saying lsoe of appitite, hair loss, trouble sleeping, dieerah, stomach pain or cramps, dizzyness, headspins etc. i just want to know and need to know the side effects asap. 

I have been on epilim for over 20yrs apart from facial hair which I have to immac every 3 days I have'nt found any problems with them

My husband was just out of hospital recently had focal haematoma and took 3 fits when it happened.  He never had seizures before.  When he came home from hospital he started taking Keppra for one 1 week (had to go off them) then tegretol (had to go off them) then took 1 Epilim tablet last Friday night 300mg   Was totally out of it on Saturday.  So I gave him no more.  Spoke to Epilepsy nurse and he is supposed to take one tonight.  Don't know?? fell as if I am 1 step forward 20 back with these medications.  These tablets do not seem to suit him but if he dosent take any there could be risk of another seizure?????? ANy views????

thats true epilim does make you feel suicidal and at times very angry i was willing to confront my drug dealer i like to call him, my neurologist, i thought it was the topamax at 1st so i tryed a little test of mine and upped the epilim by 1 tab for a couple of weeks and wow my anger increased and so did the fits lol that helped working 1 prob a uni student couldn't marijuana never had a seizure under the influence just a thought had a seizure waking up the next morning though...

Been on this 14 months too long comming off it thank god to many problems on epilim to name, i only had 1 seizure in my life at 28 and i was apparently an epileptic they put me on tretegol after i was refered to see a neuro and told to come see him 6 months later, i didnt take it cause what i read on the net due to side affects reasons etc so he put me on epilim instead and told me to come back in another 6 months mind you i cant go back to work cause i cant drive till i'm stable on meds 4 6 months (catch) i drive for a living, then boom my seizures increased my life turned into hell since then they have chopped and changed my meds i'm on topamax and easing onto keppra now off epilim so who knows, i dunno how i got it epilepsy if it will go how severe it is i can feel it comming hear it sence it its weird for a good 2 mins prior if it's a grandmal i'll slip away into a dream that i cant fucken remember the same dam dream everytime!! anyone the same??? i was playing 1st grade cricket not to long ago, now i cant do anything i feel tired dizzy drowzy suffer headaches my eyes hurt kidneys grrrrrr i cant even surf anymore!!!!!!!

I recently started using epilum and since then i feel tired and have body cramps and feel drained. The dr took me off Serequel 300mg end put me on epilum cr 300mgs twice a day. From the change i have been irritable and dillusional, sleepless and horrified with suicidal thouhgts. Epilum in compare with Serequel, epilum just makes you worse instead of making you better.

l have been on epilim for almost 1year and found myself having abdominal pains, headaches weight gain tireness blured vision pain in the whole body hot flushes the works and i am trying to come off it slowly

l have been on epilim for almost 1year and found myself having abdominal pains, headaches weight gain tireness blured vision pain in the whole body hot flushes the works and i am trying to come off it slowly

My daughter took Epilim for 14 years and had no problems whatsoever.  She was 8 years old when it was first prescribed.  She had no behavioural problems, led a full and normal life, was a judo champion and excelled at school.  I wonder whether parents cause their child's behavioural problems by treating thej differently.  Maybe it's an attention seeking thing.  She is now a happy, well adjusted adult.

my six year old daughter has been on epilim for over a year now, her behaviour has changed so much over this time,  recently we have had to increase her dosage, and she has become even harder to deal with,  has anyone else experienced this with this medication

My neuro told me that weight gain was a common side effect of epilim. I follow a strict diet + regular exercise to maintain a stable weight.

I'm putting on weight is this normal

Lyn my daughter is 21 been on epilum for years. She is autistic so cant tell me how she feels.  The carers have told me that she has been vomiting. also on Keppra, Rivortril and Zyprexa?   any comments.

Hi my Mom is 78yo and had her first seizure 5mths ago (we think due to the flu vaccine) and another 4wks ago, she was diagnosed with Epilepsy after her second episode and put on Epilim.  Since then she has deteriorated significantly from a very alert and strong person to being forgetful, fearful and very tired, I have noticed she struggles to focus.  Reading what other are saying I have to admit a certain relief as I thought because of her age she could have something else wrong but it seems that the side effects discribed are common.  Is there anyone on a therapy that does not exhibit these side effects?

my child is 2y. she taken Epilim and epanutin. she is not eating well and vomtting all the time while eaten. has any one experience this before.

In reply to Lulu's posting - our 17 year old daughter was diagnosed aged 12, started medication on lamotrigine, changed to keppra (which made her very poorly, hallucinating, depressed) and is now on epilim.  I note your comment that your memory loss drives you crazy and that you used to be 'sharp and clever'.  Since she was diagnosed, our daughter has definitely become less sharp and seemed to be much brighter before she was on epilepsy medication.  Has anyone else experienced these kind of symptoms?  Also, Lulu, do you constantly feel drowsy - our daughter is tired all the time.  She can sleep in til 3pm and then fall asleep again at 9!

hi, I had one seizure and have been on epilim for nearly two years under the care of a neurologist. I went for a checkup the other day and brought up the question of going off the epilim. If it is done it has to be done really slowly, ie weaned off, but I certainly wouldn't do it without a paeditritians or neurologists supervision, especially since he had so many seizures in such a short time, and especially since he has been on it for such a short time and is so young. You don't want to risk him having any more seizures.

my 25 year old son is taking epilim 400mg a day. His IQ has dropped significantly over the last few years and he has short term memory loss. He can be aggressive and sometimes very quiet and withdrawn.

My daughter 30 yrs has been taking epilim 700mg twice a day for over a year and Keppra 1500mg twice a day. She's losing hair quite a bit, feeling lethargic, sleeping in, lost appetite, stutter speech, she had seizure last June after seizure free for over 3 months. Recently she has to take Frisium 5mg(half of tablet) at night on doctor's order she felt restless at night, slept in morning thru afternoon. Might reduce epilim to 500mg from tonight, hope she fells better and still yet to find the right medication for her.

Epilum - I have been treated for epilepsy from the age of 14, I am now 34.  I have had only 3 episodes in my life.  I have used convulex which worked very well.  Dr switched me to rivitrol when I wanted to get pregnant.  It was a horrible drug.  I experieced pins and needles in my hands followed by migranes.  After my preganacy I was put on epilum.  I have been on this now for 3 years.  I am experiencing memory loss to the extent that it drives me crazy.  I use to be sharp and clever.  Has anyone experienced this with Epilum?

hi jo your son sounds just like mine he is now four and we have been through hell and are still no nearer of a diagnosis. he is seeing a neorologist at the moment so hopfully we might get some answers do you think the epillim has anything to do with it ? and did your son have any mobility problems as mine has episodes where he cant walk or he walks with very bad limp but this comes and goes he dosnt seem to be in pain and the pysios are bafild.

I am currently caring for an elderly lady (who also suffers with dementia) her psycologist recently prescribed her 200mg epilim twice a day as she had become increasingly aggressive towards staff. We were unhappy about about the medication being prescribed as it is basically to sedate her. We (as a staff group) did not want to sedate her we wanted to find out why she was being aggressive towards us ie we wanted to find out what was wrong not mask the problem with drugs. The psychologist was reluctant to listen to us, as is the case with the other 2 residents in the home.

In my opinion SCHIOBOY i would say the care home is basically trying to make there lives and work alot easier rather than actually doing the job they are paid for. as was said pyschologist. 

discribe you eplim experiance here

I would not know ,I have my mood swings, over eat and have my depressed moments but I do not let it get to me. As I work and drive a car and have a family. The day the doctor placed me on eplim 25 years ago my seizres redued from 2 a month to 1 every 10 years. The drug is not perfect but without the drug I would not be able to work and be independant.

Try getting green gram boiliging the water and drinking 7 glasses of it through the day. Also avoid egg.

severe abdominal pain and urine retention

I was prescribed  1,600 mgs of epilim daily plus 30 ml abilify plus 1.5 ml Rivotril plus 15 ml Dalmane plus  10 ml seranace   onthe 30thof April 2009.

I felt suicidal ,depressed , suffered short term memory loss ans insomnia in addition to becoming very anxious  and at times aggressive ,
Attempted suicide onthe 6thof March 2010

just increased my dose of Epilim 500 4 times a day and also to Epilim Chrono.....Such bad stomach pains. ANyone else experienced the same  :-(

Boy 7 years became very hyperactive. He was already on colouring free diet and we wondered if the bright red colouring couls have caused the behavioural change.
Also came out in spots and was, and still is very tired. Has an increased appetite.

Im suffering from severe migraine for 25 years now. Im using eppilum for a month and since then, Im experiencing headaces at the front part of my head , my eyes and my back neck almost every day. Is it possible that this is a side effect and if so, how long will it carry on? Do you suggest that I stop eppilum. The cluster migrain did not go away... please help!!

Hi , My son is 5 years old and is was put on epilim for a week now , he was diagnosed with autism and attends a school for kids with autism . The reason for the epilim was to prevent another seizure which came about after his temperature shot up whilst being sick , his behaviour after a week has become quiet difficult to handle and we think the drug has definately adjusted his situation . Its the first time he has had a seizure and was advised by a specialist that the drug will prevent further seizures . Any Advice ?? Jo , with regards to your situation I suggest you try and get help with regards to knowing if your boy has Autism.

my daughter has petit mal (simple absence siezures) she was on 7 ml of sodium valporate twice daily, however this was simpl not having an effect, she was then put to 12ml (gradually) over 3 weeks, she has not had a siezure since but her behaviour is terrible of late and i cannot help thinking there must be a link??/can anyone help with this?

my son had a number of fits at 4months old 9 in 24hrs and was given epilim sodium valproate sugar free liquid to take twice a day for 3months  no more fits epilim was stopped at 7 months old  then he had more fits a month after stopping the epilim so he was then put back on it twice a day for 2years but then  developed delays didnt mama dada baba as a baby at all delays in rolling over sitting standing walking and all the milestones ssaw doctors about this and expressed my concerns from the age of 9months but was told to wait 6months  he was too young and sent away 6mths lster at checkup still same but again told give it 6mths all kids develop different speeds etc finally at age nearly3yr old i convinced professionals he had problems and he was referred speech therapy  he couldnt start nursery at 3 as he wouldnt go toilet and i couldnt get anyone to take him until toilet trained so sent for more s therapy n applied for specialneeds nursery which was turned down 6months later now aged 3yr 6mths his name put forward for s needs nursery and was accapted and statemented by aged 4 severe speech and language delays and learning disabilities he then went to normal mainstream infants school frm age 4 and a half but  by aged 5 he was 2yrs behind  and at the stage a 3yr old would be at  he now goes special needs school but he still doesnt go to the toilet very often and he is now 9 and a half and at the developmental stage of a 5/6yr old in speech and language and has severe learning difficulties  and most of the signs and symptoms of autism but he has not been diagnosed with anything no tests were done regarding fitting to tell if he was epileptic as there was no reason for the fits no temperature wasnt ill etc yet he was put on the epilim for 2yrs idont know how to get him a diagnosis for autism or where to start on getting someone to listen and do some tests to say if he has anything and his school has never looked into it

how much did you have?

I've been treated with Lyrica and Epilim to control TN1on the right side of my face: the sensations are not gone yet and started slowly at the left side as well. I needed to adjust my meds: seeing that I experienced Lyrica's side effects earlier, I am trying to change the Epilim from 200 to 300mg twice per day. My eyesight and mobility changed a lot (I'm almost 53 - still young!) and I experience tired muscles in my legs. Is it due to my medication, or what would you suggest?

hospitilization recently with suspected overdose.

memory loss, fatigue, effects on all other medications

Myalgia, pain in all my muscles and very stiff.

I am suffering from lethargy. Could this be a side effect of epilim

My mobility is severely affected.  My body won't do what I want to do.  I can't stand up from a chair and my balance is severely affected.  My hands shake uncontrolably

For how long is Epilum stil active in your body after its finished? M

Can cipramil and epilim be taken together?

epilim is used for a mood stabaliser as well as a anti convulsant, so it may help with the anxiety, it can make some people tired, i am always tired! but still work, drive etc.....all the best.

id be going to another doctor, your doctor doesnt seem to be listening to you, something doesnt sound right, epilim also controls moods, so seems odd that you all of a sudden are moody and getting depressed! things can only get better!!!

My Mother who is 87 years of age with severe dementia is currently in a care home. When people are able to give her attention she is pretty content. Hiwever, she becomes very anxious if she spends any length of time on her own and can wander, and being unsteady on her feet she could fall.

The home wish to perscibe Epilim - ins a "small dose" to help her be less anxious.

Would this be a suitable drug for such use, and would it be in some ways a sedative - and if you will - a way of "controlling" her?

My son is taking Epilim to stop seizures from Antidepressants, is this a normal procedure, he has trembling hands, bad heads and is also so tied

my son of 5 months is on epilim after having 6 seizures in 1 day and 2 months later he is seizure free
how safe would it be to take him off epilim ? and how should it be done?

im on 800mg of epilim a day. ive been like this 4 1 yr now. i have been on epilim 4 30 yrs. my dose ranged between 400mg 2 600mg over the yrs. i have a sudden fit in december last yr after a fit free 6 yrs !! was very disapointed, i lost my job and my beloved driving licence. was so upset. since i have been on this incresed 800mg dose i have had severe heart burn, every day. my periods are terrible, they never end !! i just bleed every day. i have have very bad mood swings, feelings of harming n suicide. my ankles hurt so much due to swelling. my hands and fingers swell 2. my docter just wants 2 give me the pill to help regulate my periods !! i have trouble remembering my epilim let alone takin the pill. im not very happy n not very well- all the time. can some1 help or advise me ? would b so happy :'(

my daughter have been doubled her epilim dose since august 09 her last period was on the 22nd sept 09 appart from that she is loosing alot of hair. her consultant told me its normal and not to read the inserted leaflet. she will change her treatment to another for women that can be taken for pregnant women as well;i forgot their name' my daughter suffered a sort of cotdeath in august and i was in time to pump her hearth. now she has like flushes and her ears become red its been happening lately her next appointment is on the 29th of january 10 what can i do pls as our family doctor told me the treatment should be changed as soon as possible :'( :'( :(

it sucks :'( :'( :'( :'( 8-) =-X :-[