Conception and Epilepsy

[NewNdebeleWife]

Hi! :) Is anyone going through the same thing as me? I have been Epileptic since I was 12. Until recently I was on Epilim 200mg twice daily. As my husband and I would like to start a family, we went to see my Epilepsy Specialist Nurse. As well documented, he explained that it is in the best interest of the baby, to come of Epilim to prevent birth defects. I am currently being weened off Epilim while taking Lamotrigine. However, last week, when I was on 2 200mg tablets morning and night as I previously took, I was also taking 75mg of Lamotrigine. I had very bad side effects-severe blurriness and dizziness, so bad I was sent home from work cos I could not see. Has anybody been through this? Nurse said I probably had to much medication in my system so now I am on 75mg Lamotrigine and 1 200mg Epilim morning and 75mg Lamotrigine and 2 200mg Epilim at night. However, some days I have mild blurred vision and dizziness. I know I have to get on lamotrigine to have a baby but it's hard. Has anyone had similar experiences? Thank you.

Oh yeah, and I am also on 5mg of Folic Acid (the high dose is the recommended amount for epileptics) :)

Hi NNW,

I have epilepsy and I am 4+3 pregnant. I had tried various medications to control epilepsy (including Lamotrigine) without success in the past. I am now on 600mg of Tegretol daily. It was controlling my seizures pre-pregnancy and seems to be going fine now.

Lamotrigine was the first epilepsy drug I tried (11 years ago). I have always found the type of problems you are referring to when changing drugs. I imagine once you are off Epilim it will be better. It seems like they have put your Epilim up though? Is that right? I would think you will soon be gradually reducing dose.

Lamotrigine is thought to be one of the best pregnancy drugs so hang in there. Keep taking the folic acid. It surely won't be long til you are off Epilim and can start ttc!