Mechanism of action is "unknown" for neuro meds and basically you read the side effect profile, decide which is least-worst, and roll the dice. Then you balance seizure control (or lack thereof) against side effects and QOL. I actually think most brain meds are like this. People hypothesize but nobody knows for sure why they work or don't work.
Yes... sigh. We were told at one point to "medicate diagnostically" ...as in, test different medications on my son (ADHD) to rule out or confirm issues, and that it would take about 6 months. I just skipped it altogether, but I'm lucky that he's been ok meds-free.
I agree with you that it sounds like a miserable existence for your son (the doctor just sees the health on paper... you have to face the day to day at home, and see him suffer
) Have you tried the non-stimulant Atomoxetine... (brand name Strattera)? A friend of mine's daughter used Strattera after she outgrew stimulants (she was on Biphenton - methylphenidate - for a few years and it was great until she built up a tolerance). Anyway, the Strattera also helped her, and she was an inattentive chatterbox. She's entering high school and is off the meds now because she's learning to reign in her behavior. Developmentally girls are a bit ahead of boys... maybe this will happen for your son too.
