I don't think I ever used Atavan ( below) while I used Dilantin for
Temporal Lobe (Complex Partial) seizures.   But I had such crumbie control
with Dilantin while others here have been able to use it without much
problem.
  Within about 6 months, we moved over (mine) to Tegretol Controlled
Release and after about 12-18 months my 2-3 szrs. a month dropped to 1-2 in
6 months to zero now since 1998.  (I use a second med. with the Tegretol
reduced dose since 1996 - 2 years into tegretol.)

  That's not why I posted here.  Your Doctor will determine what is 'bad
enough for you'.  Granted you should be in charge of your own treatment and
decisions for health, but 'mixing meds. is bad enough' without a
Pharmacist's Licence is probably not wise advice.
  I used Atavan Sublingual (1mg tablet that goes under the tongue if you
feel Aura that precedes a Complex Partial and some other szr. types).    It
meant the difference between a wasted trip to Emerg. when I lost
consciousness in the middle of a Large Shopping Centre, and a 5 minute 'sit
down' until the Aura Cleared and the atavan got into my bloodstream.
  It's also used for some people with Strokes? and other conditions too.
The last Atavan I used was when I responded to help someone injured in a car
accident (1998), and just ahead of my Daughter's Wedding ("who gives away
this young lady.. etc.").
   I haven't needed it or used it since then.   But while we were getting
to a Stable Level of the Tegretol and Frisium, it saved me Several trips to
Hospital by relaxing the C.P. seizure onset.   It may not be the alternative
of choice for some Meds. or seizure types, but it's a relaxant that might be
enough to prevent having to move to other or stronger meds, if the
conditions are caused by e.g. reaching the optimum level for a particular
pill (discussed a few days ago while I was away),  OR while levels get
stabilized for your metabolism, body weight, etc.    Some of the AEDs that
work for a 'semi-sedentary' person of130 pounds, might not work properly for
a Cross Country Runner who runs 50 Km a day, but weighs 200 lbs....

 Atavan is Potentially habit forming, but I was careful not to over-use it,
since it worked so well *for me* that I didn't want to lose that control
when I was going into a Large Crowd (meeting) of 150 people or other
stressful environments that might affect some of us C.P.ers. It is also a
Relaxant, so you might be tempted to curl up somewhere an hour later for a
nap.  Other than that I had no problems with it.  (I think it's one that
shouldn't be used with Alcohol too, but Most of the Anti-Ep. Drugs (AEDs)
have that on the advisories anyway.)

 ***BOY!!***  While I was away, and Since back, this Norton Virus scanner
has trapped about 100-130 of those swen worms!!  Too bad I don't go FISHING
for Swens...
  I Hope y'all have up to date Virus Scanners in place.   No point bringing
Fresh Infections here...  Just keep our Infectious sense de Humours.

O.T.Beaches were Excellent,  Bride was Radiant,  Groom is now Married and
Committed so I can sleep nights.   G./