Hi tos8,

For both my complex partial and simple partial sz. I have been taking Diamox, mysoline, and vimpat. The vimpat has really reduced my complex partial sz. a lot this past yr. I only had 7 complex partial sz. for the yr. which is great for me. Diamox and mysoline help with the simple partial and absence sz. and both of these drugs are older drugs that have been around for many yrs.
I have found that the newer AED's don't work for me like the old AED's do. The older AED's work much better. In regards to you AEDs that you are taking now I was on both of them and I found the Depakote worked great and I was taking 2500 mg. a day but I couldn't take trileptal or tegretol with the Depakote because the 2 drugs would interact with each other causing me to have more sz. and this may be what's happening with you.
You are playing it smart asking for a DNA test but don't be surprised if the neuro tells you "I don't do that kind of a test." This isn't true they have been doing it for yrs. and all they have to do is take a q tip and get some salvia from your mouth and send it to a DNA lab or the lab at the hospital near you and they can find out what sz. med (AED's) will work the best for you. You may have to speak up to your neuro and tell the person if they don't do the DNA test that you will report them to the medical conduct board. After that they will listen to what you are saying and follow through. I wish you only the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue