Aptiom was just approved by the FDA the latter part of 2016. I started in a study about 2014 at Temple University. Aptiom needs to be taken on time everyday, a dose cannot be afford to be skip. When a dose is skip, you will have a seizure, and when you take the medication again you will feel dizzy like you are drunk, you are unable to stand up straight.

I lost my insurance last month. I was able to receive my Keppra and Vimpat from the manufacture free through a program at the local health clinic. Since Aptiom is new and very expensive I could not receive it.

If I have an option, I will choose not to be put back on this medication. I feel that my body is doing better with out it.

Aptiom reduces and stops my seizures. It just causes strange feelings in my body, and once you miss a dose you will have a seizure. The seizure seems worse, and so are the affects on my body.

BE CAREFUL!

In my case, Tegretol (carbamazepine) turned me into a zombie. I was on it for about 7 years and I was always really lethargic, I couldn't focus on work and my short term memory was non-existent. When I changed from Tegretol to Lamictin, I was more aware and conscious and I noticed my short term memory had improved - although I did also do some lifestyle changes that could have helped with that. I've never been on Aptiom, so I don't know how it will affect you. I'm on Keppra now though and all is good. But maybe you'll notice you'll have more gusto and vitality once you're off the Tegretol, like I did. Hope it all works out for you :)

Terry, that's kind of the way I feel as well & I did tell my first Neurologist to leave it alone. Then when he moved out of the area, I got a new Neurologist whose recommendation was the same as the first. I took that as my a 2nd opinion. It may not be my opinion but it seems to be the general consensus.

Audrey, I know. I can't believe how expensive it is & I've often wondered why he would switch it, if the Tegretol was working, knowing that this one is over 8 times the cost to my insurance company. It doesn't make sense to me.

Update: Today I got another afternoon headache but I was able to keep this one in check so that it didn't escalate to a migraine like the day before last.

Try fresh pineapple for your migraines, I have been on several medications but not aptiom. I had an ok day. Feeling better after having 2 pseudo seizures the other day. I hit my head on the concrete in my driveway and the pain from that is finally going away.

I think your dr might be doing wrong thing,switching medicine, I say leave it alone, Like my Dr told me he will never switch me to another medicine, cause doing so good 21 yrs sz free and he said dont disturb it, good luck I been on XR tegretol and XR Lamictol 21 yrs and Dr Barkley said he will never switch me to anything else doing to good leave it alone