Blood test shows very High ammonia 78 high normal is 30.

Posted by sgboster123 @sgboster123, Apr 27, 2023

So 22 yr old sons juvenile generalized epilepsy (both absence and grand mal) treated w depakote (1000 mg daily). He’s soooo tired, can’t wake up, sleeps sooo deeply does not think clearly or function well. Blood test shows 78 on ammonia level. Doc doesn’t want to change med… I’m worried when I read online what this high ammonia means… liver failure? Anyone have experience in r knowledge of this? Blessings, 💗Susie

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Apr 27, 2023

@sgboster123
Good afternoon Susie,
His Depakote may be the culprit. Has the ammonia ever been increased since being on Depakote prior this this?
Also I think Tonic-Clonic seizures often increase ammonia levels but don’t know for how long. Did he have a seizure prior to having blood drawn?
I hope you keep us informed.
Jake

sgboster123 | @sgboster123 | Apr 27, 2023

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@sgboster123 Good afternoon Susie, His Depakote may be the culprit. Has the ammonia ever been increased..." + (show)

They do think depakote is culprit, hadn’t had a seizure for 2 months when blood was drawn but we have been concerned about excessive sleepiness and some cognitive impairment so doc ordered ammonia level … never in 8 yrs of epilepsy has any doc mentioned or ordered this level. I do recall pediatric Neuro had him on L-Carnitine supplement “because depakote is hard on liver “ so I will try to get him to take this again. Anyone else take it? I understand it is to help w cognition, memory and focus (which he now takes an ADD medicine for even though was never ADD before epilepsy and depakote)

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