Epilepsy- generalized tonic clinic and absence seizures, nutrition

@sgboster123
I only take vit D and B complex.
Depakote most likely will lower your vit D level. I’d recommend a vit D test and depending on your dose and how long you’ve taken it you may need to supplement it.
Depakote causes your liver to take out more vit D than is needed. I have to take 3,000 IU to maintain my level.
Personally, I doubt Depakote will effect you B vitamins but that’s a question you should ask your Neurologist.
I knew a man in Canada who controlled his seizures completely with B vitamins.
All seizure medications can cause or make depression and anxiety worse. But I hope you can overcome these problems. Although you may not be affected, anxiety has been known to increase seizures.
Oh, are you still having seizures or are they controlled? After 45 years my seizures stopped and I credit that with the fact that I switched from immediate release medication to extended release. Depakote comes in an extended release formulation. You may want to discuss it with your neurologist.
Of course they good quality whole food. Diet is always a good thing. I tried to eat a good diet, although I always have candy around just begging to be eaten so I accommodate.
One last thing and I’ll shut up
Again, you may not be affected by this, but a study from Stanford University showed that when pharmacist fill seizure medication from different manufacturers it can increase breakthrough seizures. Since the brain is very sensitive, my opinion is extended release medications are better.
Take care,
Jake

@santosh
Have you had your vit D checked?
Jake

Thank you Jake! My grand mal seizures are “controlled” but I have still 1 per year. I take antidepresant and focus med… which may have been the cause of the recent seizure. Honestly don’t know if my absence seizures are controlled … could be not and why I feel ADD. MY vit D level was low normal so I will increase D and look more into B. God bless !

Hello,

I just had this conversation with my son last night so waking up to this post was really crazy to say the least. My son is 21 and has been taking Depakote since he was in the 4th grade. Currently he is on 1000mg ER at night. He too has all the same problems you are experiencing plus ocd which is the worst for him. He has noticed it more within the past year or so due to the learning he has to do with his job. He tried prozac to help with the ocd but the only thing he experienced was even more tiredness. He just isn't into trying meds on top of meds. Didn't really notice these symptoms going through school just thought he was being an average teenage boy.
He lives on his own now so I know the eating habits are not the greatest. I sometimes feel like depression plays a big role in a lot of his problems but reading your comment reiterates that it is probably the Depakote. I hope there is someone out there who may read this and shed some more light on the great questions you have. ( Jake is great and has helped me out when I posted for the first time several weeks ago.) My son isn't able to see his new neurologist until May, but I definitely will be going with and asking all of these questions. When he goes by himself he just can't stay focused enough to relay everything that was said. I know I don't have answers for you, but sometimes knowing your are not alone helps. I will be sharing your post with him for sure! I will keep you in the loop with any info I can find out at his appointment.

Trish

I am trying to figure out what was switched for him around the age of 18 and he went from DR to ER. Is there a significant difference?

Hi Jake, Good Evening

My epileptologist always verifies my Vitamin levels, something important for us all. My Vitamin D level is OK (36 ng/mL). I am currently not taking any supplement for vitamin D. But please remember that I am being treated with pure CBD (medical cannabis), instead of AEDs which might lower our vitamin levels. Additionally, l live in a very sunny country and it is summer over here right now 🙂 In winter times, I do take cod liver oil once a day.
Santosha

Hi Everyone
I have had very good results with a gluten-free diet, reducing my partial/focal seizures from 12/13 a month to 2/3 a month. Some studies have shown that there is a relationship between our gut and brain in people with some neurological disease (epilepsy, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis). It is known that gluten/wheat provokes inflammation in our guts, even in those that do not have celiac disease. I, myself, do not have celiac disease.
Taking gluten out of my diet has been easier than I had imagined. Nowadays, there are so many options available at the supermarket and food without gluten can be still very delicious.
I also try to have a healthy diet, eating a lot of vegetables, and fruits and buying organic food whenever possible. Sometimes I do enjoy a nice hamburger (with gluten-free bread and organic meat) and some french fries. All with moderation!
Santosha

"The first bowl of ice cream is sublime, the second is delicious, and the third gives you indigestion." - Dalai Lama - from "The Book of Joy"

Thank you, Trish. I have a feeling Depakote is to blame for all of my son’s difficulties 🤦‍♀️. And like your son, not eating well or taking very good care of himself. Didn’t know meds could be given once per day… that may help consistency. I believe in trying to eat well and take vitamins to optimize health for all issues… he is just not capable at his age. I was impressed that Pychiatrist mentioned D and B… so important for mood, energy and immune system. I’ve read D should be much higher than what blood test shows as “normal” … optimal levels are 60-80) . It does help to know I’m not alone in my concerns, thank you for reaching out. God bless.

@sgboster123
I asked my Neuro if I could take all my meds together in the morning, he agreed and that's what I do. The medication my primary care doctor gave me should be taken at night, but I figured taking it in the morning was better than not taking it at all so that’s what I do. The medication my primary care doctor gave me should be taken at night, but I figured taking it in the morning was better than not taking it at all so that’s what I do. She’s not happy about it though. My doctor keeps my vit D above 60.
Jake