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lamictal vs. topamax

Hello! I've been on Lamictal since '02 for a seizure disorder. My seizures are primarily partial, experiencing deja vu and intense dread. I also have migraine headaches, although this has only recently begun. Pain meds do not control and/or treat the pain effectively. Up until a month ago, Lamictal has adequately controlled my seizures/auras, even though I experience flashing lights approx. 1x a week. I had a normal MRI last week. I did seek a second opinion. This nuero suggested I take Topamax instead, as this drug more effectively treats partial seizures and migraines.

What is your opinion in terms of which seizure med would best treat my symptoms? Also, when I went to second opinion neuro, he wouldn't prescribe the med because I wasn't his patient, instead he said he'd write a letter which I could give my doc. But, he said, I should be able to call my neuro, tell him what was suggested and what I wanted to do, and he should work with me. What is your experience with this? How would you suggest I handle this? I know drs. say they encourage second opinions, but it feels uncomfortable to me.
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Avatar universal
i am experiencing the intense deja vu feelings adn i got hot and sweaty and i just sit there. i dont know if i am aware of things around me cuz it doesnt happen around anyone but i have dreams while this happens but after i cant remember them. i havent had one for about 3 weeks. does this mean they are gone? should i still see a doctor? also i experience a little bit of dizziness but not while i have one or anything and i get bad headaches but not while i have one. does this have anyting to do with the deja vu symptoms. Or is this all prolly nothing.  i am a 17 year old female. I need advice.
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Avatar universal
Hi Julie,
Physiologically the difference is that in aura there won't be any abnormal electrical discharges from brain, but in seizure there would abnormal electrical discharges from brain on EEG.
What you are experiencing is aura like flashing lights, dots appearance before seizure, but déjà vu phenomenon is indeed seizure.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.
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Avatar universal
I am not physician...

I have been on topamax for several years and with excellent seizure control and limited side effects.  I am switching medications, to lamictal actually, due to the cognitive difficulities that can be caused by the topamax.  I am a big supporter of the drug, it is great for many people.  Just make sure that you know some of the main side effects that people discontinue therapy.
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Avatar universal
Physiologically, what is the difference between an aura and a seizure? Or are they used interchangeably? I experience what I thought were partial seizures (flashing lights, deja vu, intense feelings) but are these just auras, precipitating seizures?

Thanks,
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Avatar universal
Hi,
I feel topamax is better for controlling your seizure, but if everything is fine with Lamictal then why to change it.
I think you can go and tell your doctor that you had a second opinion and this is what the doctor has to say, what would be your opinion now.
I think if he is a genuine doctor, he should be comfortable with it.
Keep me informed if you have any queries.
Bye.
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