Question Title: neurontin

I've posted a message before and just wanted to compliment you on the quality of service here THANKS! I'm 19 and a few months ago was diagnosed with a seazure disorder. Since then I've been on depakote, tegretol, and dilantin. I tolerated the depakote desently but it didn't help control my seizures all that much so I was put on tegretol. After about a month on tegretol I had good seizure contol but my doctor was concerned about aplastic anemia so I was put on dilantin. That was a month ago...last week I develop a ash over my arems, legs and chest (no fever) so my doctor has decided to try neurontin. My concern is that from the information I've read on the internet neurontin isn't really used as a primary anti convulsant but in conjuncture with another. Is this true? If it is any ideas why I might have been put on just that? I'm concerned that I haven't been able to tolerate some of the most common medications are there any that are more "gentle" that would be less prone to cause these serious reactions? When I first went to the neurologist he sent me to have an MRI and EEG...they were both normal. WOuld it be beneficial to have either of those tests redone? (although I doubt the MRI would change in sucha short time.) Sorry this is so long winded! I hope you have some advice for me! -Amy

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Thanks for the question Amy. First of all, if the tegretol was working and you were not having problems with it I'm not sure why they elected to stop the medication? It is true that it can cause bone marrow depression but that is rare and you can follow blood counts to check. Now patients that have a dilantin rash have an increased risk of also having a rash on tegretol also. The neurontin was approved by the FDA as an add on drug ie with another medication. It was done this way because it is the fastest way to bring a drug to market. They are doing some studies as first line treatment but those are not out yet. The neurontin does not cause a rash so it is a good choice from that stand point. Phenobarbital is also a rash free drug but may cause too much sedation. I have several patients on just neurontin because of rash problems with other medications. If you wish a referral to one of our epilepsy specialists at CCF call 216 444 5559. Good luck
This information is provided for general medical education purposes. Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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