Half-Life, What Is It?
I’ve been on the twice a day dose of Lamotrigine now for about 2 weeks, and hubby and I see some improvement, with less jerking and less depression. As this medicine builds up in my system, thanks to its half-life, I can hope for even better control of the jerks and an even happier outlook in general.
Lamotrigine has a half-life of 13 hours. That means half of the 7AM dose is still in my system when I take my 7PM pill. And half of what is left in my system at night from the 7AM dose, plus half of the 7PM dose, is still in my system at 7AM the next morning when I take another dose. Confusing?? LOL!
What that means is that over a period of time it builds up in my system. The Primidone I take does the same thing. My brain is constantly bathed with these chemicals that somehow calm the erratic electrical activity that sets my muscles to jerking. Neurologists don’t really understand the mechanism by which these chemicals work in the brain, so they just have to keep trying different meds until they hit on the right combination for each patient, based on their years of experience dealing with Movement Disorders. All the meds in their arsenal are off label drugs. That means they are not typically prescribed for Myoclonus. Most are used to control epileptic seizures and some are normally prescribed for depression.
In my case my Neurologist says I have a progressive form of Essential Myoclonus, so I am thankful for the relief I get with a new medicine, even though I realize it may not be sufficient sometime in the future. But my outlook is better these days, so I choose to be happy with the apparent success of this combination and to not dwell on the future. See, I told you I was feeling better!
I thank God for this lifting of the gloom I have been in, as He guides the decisions my Neurologist makes in treating me!
Modern medicine is incredible. I really hopes this works out for you.
Thanks, Jan. I'm optimistic about this combination for me. Did my attempt to explain how half-life works with meds make any sense at all??
ExposeYourBlog
Suffering? No, way too strong a word. Miserable, maybe, but I'm better than I have been for some time now.
When people ask me how I'm doing I usually just say OK. This blog is about the only place I "let it all hang out", other than my wonderful hubby.
It's my outlet, plus I know how much I needed to read the truth from people going through the same thing I was, particularly when I was first diagnosed with Parkinson's and later with EM.
So this blog helps me, and maybe it has helped someone else, too.
I'm glad that this is working for you. You do sound better in your writing. Though If I hadn't known you were suffering so much I would never have guessed.
I'm glad this med is working for you. Your positive attitude will help lift your mood, and, if sometimes you feel down, there will always be someone here to listen.
I really appreciate your support, Cube!
I'll see you on ExposeYourBlog.
It is incredible what we can endure and overcome with a joyful spirit. Thank you for "letting it all hangout." It's part of your testimony and that is our weapon. Knowing that we aren't alone in our trials can be a beautiful inspiration.
Thanks for being brave enough to share your story.
Thanks for stopping by, Emily. I have tried over the years to portray an accurate picture of what's been happening to me, both physically, mentally, and spiritually in the hopes that it would help someone else. It's also good for me to think through what's going on with me.
I value your comment, as I love your Exploring the Pagus blog that I follow on ExposeYourBlog.
So glad you're feeling better. I love your blog. Keep looking up!
Thanks, Sherri, for stopping by. Your blog is fantastic for anyone diagnosed with PD. I'm going to add the link to the Constipation video to my sidebar. Very helpful!
Have you tried Cranial Manipulation by a board certified Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine Specialist. They are as rare as your disease so you would have to travel. Go to the Cranial Academy Website, //www.cranialacademy.com and use the find a physician locator and put in your zip code. Alternately check the AAO website for a physician as some Drs are not in the cranial academy directory that do Cranial Manipulation (even more rare)
Good Luck!
I had never heard of Cranial Manipulation. I read a little about Osteopathy and looked at the website. It sounds a little too Alternative Medicine for me to try it, but thanks for the information. Who knows, I might find it beneficial if I gave it a try.
Are you a practitioner or a patient????
Want more blog traffic, find lots of interesting blogs and people? Try free ExposeYourBlog.