Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Bye Bye Phenobarbitol


We have been working on weaning Matthew off Phenobarbitol now for a LONG time; at least since March, but the entire process started almost a year ago when we went to Minnesota to the seizure clinic for the first time. Phenobarb is a very sedating medication and makes it difficult for Matthew to be alert and awake during the day. And there are better options to control his seizures. For the last couple months he blood levels of this medication have not been therapeutic; so we know it was not giving him any help with seizure control; but we were still unable to just stop the medication. Becaus his body was used to having Phenobarbitol in it's system, we had to very slowly wean him from this to prevent any withdrawal symptoms. We are happy and proud to say that he took the last dose of medication this weekend; and I very happily disposed of the remainder of it (safely that is!).

6 comments:

Angela said...

YAY!!!!! That is awesome!! :)

Diane said...

That is such GREAT news.

Diane, Tyler's mom

Kristen said...

WhaaaHOOOO!! I feel so excited for you guys! That is such great news!

Michelle said...

That's really great! I know that the two times Owen has had phenobarbitol he has slept for up to two days afterward so I know the sedating effect that it has. It's wonderful news that Matthew won't have to have this slowing him down anymore. You can actually see a noticeable difference in Matthew's pictures over the last few months as his dosage has dropped. He looks more alert and lively - it's a wonderful thing!

Lisa Christine said...

Wooohooo!!!

I hope that you are able to try Matthew on the Sabril too!!! Wouldn't it be great it if cured our children of those nasty spasms!?

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL news!!!! Yay, Matthew!!