@louissc
You can chance switching generics but I will not be a test subject for whether or not a genetic works. I've had over 13,000 tonic clonic seizutes not to mention focal aware, impaired, absences, and the constant status seizures. I will be sticking to brand named drugs which have proven effective for me.
What may seem like insignificant differences in how quickly these different ingredients break down and get absorbed in some patients or whom may be be allergic or sensitive to the inert ingredients can cause a critical fluctuation in blood levels, triggering breakthrough seizures. I'm not saying this just to hear my head rattle. If brand and generics are "identical" as some doctors and pharmacists claim why did my Dilantin level drop from 14 to 7 when I was in the hospital being given generic Dilantin. "Identical? I think there are doctors and pharmacists who need to look up its definition.
There is substantial, documented evidence that switching between brand-name and generic antiseizure medications—as well as between different generic manufacturers— can cause breakthrough seizures in some patients.
I choose to limit my risk as much as possible. Admittedly I haven't always made the best choices in my epilepsy journey but I WILL NOT mess with my drugs. If it's not broken, why fix it. My brother chose to take whatever Tegretol manufacturer he was given and continued to have seizures. Since I pick-up and deliver his meds I asked his pharmacy to always refill his meds with the same manufacturer. He hasn't had a seizure since.
Take care Louis & all,
Jake