Dilantin to Lamictal

[Kdlynn]

Was just interested if anyone has had to transition from Dilantin to Lamictal and if they have had any side affects

[bessie116]

I converted 10 years ago and have only had slight issues. Initially, within 1 month I required eye glasses because of vision changes the doc attributed to the new medication. My dosage increased a few months ago and things are still going strong. I was having some memory issues, but that has also improved with the increased dosage. GREAT NEWS!! Lamictal now has a generic. I was paying $150/month WITH insurance and now have been buying it through a VERY large retailer for $10 for a 3 months supply.

[Emma999]

No physical side effects but it is EXPENSIVE.  The generic was quoted to me at $225 a month (150mg a day) and I only found this out because by getting the first two bottles during the switch I had reached my prescription coverage cap for the year.  I would suggest you check out what your cap is and see if it is feasible for you to get these meds.  I had to go off the Lamictal and remain on the Dilantin because of this and from the posts above wish I was able to try the Lamictal.

[Mic2323]

My son is on Lamictal and was previously on most of the medicines you have listed.  He takes 400mg daily now for around 3 years and is getting along great.  The only side effect that we have noticed is that he is shakey with his hands, it is almost like a nervous shake.  Other than that, we are very happy and thankful that he is getting along with the medicine and remains seizure free.

[jennej]

Hi there.
I was diagnosed with epilepsy 22 years ago and have been on just about every medication possible: dilantin, depakote, tegretol, even pheynobabrital...and now Lamictal, for the past two years. Of all the many meds I have taken, Lamictal has produced the least side effects. No sleepiness, no weight gain, ( that I can attribute to my meds anyway..ahem) and no englargement of the gums. In short I would say from my personal experience it's the best anti-seizure med out there. I only take 200mg a day, so it may be different for others who take a higher or lower dosage.
Hope this gave a little insight.
J