Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with epilepsy. I have been having focal seizures for the past two years, and early last year. Just recently, I have had atonic drop attacks. Looking at the description, it is what I believe is happening to me. I lost consciousness for a brief moment, slumped down, unaware of the results of my injury. I take Tegretol Retard (Carbamazepine) and Levetiracetam. My neurologist told me it is not the case. Please give your opinion.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Both Tegretol (Carbamazepine) and Levetiracetam can help against atonic attacks too. Anyway, I would recommend checking Carbamazepine plasma levels to adjust the dose of Tegretol if necessary. Otherwise, if it is fine, I would recommend increasing the dose of Levetiracetam. Besides, I would also recommend performing a new EEG (electroencephalogram), checking fasting glucose levels, blood electrolytes for possible imbalances, complete blood count for anemia, and thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction.
I hope this was helpful.
Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you.
I take Tegretol 1200 mg per day and the Levetiracetam 1750 mg once per day. It has increased and decreased over the past year. I also had an EEG last year and had an abnormal reading of spike discharges, I think, but I'm not sure. However, I will try to see if I can get some blood tests done. Please give your opinion.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I would recommend checking Tegretol (Carbamazepine plasma levels) because the dose of Carbamazepine you are taking is high. Therefore, you may need to reduce it based on the plasma levels. Regarding Levetiracetam, I would recommend taking it 2000 mg divided twice daily (1000 mg twice a day). You may need to increase further (250 mg daily) if seizures persist.
I hope this was helpful.
Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Aida Abaz Quka
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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