Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Taking vitamins with seizure meds. what're the risks?

Wed, 01/16/2013 - 20:05
Topic: Medication Issues

Hi

I would like to start off saying that I've had my seizures for 37yrs now. I'm taking lamictal 150mg 2x a day, ritalin 5mg once a day, vimpat 150mg 2x a day, zonagram 100mg once a day, and serquel 250mg at night only. I was taking some vitamins for health issues at one point in time, and I noticed when I started taking the vitamins that I started feeling more edgy, anciouse, and I'm not sure if a little more deppressed. I mean after all I'm taking meds for anxiety, and depression. I started noticing that my thoughts started wandering where they shouldn't, but I never thought it could be the vitamins mixed with the meds. I'm still not sure if it's, so at that time I stopped the vitamins and I started feeling a little bit better. Now I started taking the vitamins again because I heard that they're supposed to help with some of the medication side effects. When I did these symtops seemed to have started again, is it my imagination? Or is it really a bad combination to put together that's the cause? I'm only asking on this site because all my docs have told me it's ok to take vitamins with medication, but unless you have actually experienced it yourself instead of reading it from a book then first hand experience is the best way to know. I hope to get some feedback on this thank you!

Comments

Re: Taking vitamins with seizure meds. what're the risks?

Submitted by Jon Spangler on Mon, 2013-01-28 - 16:06
Colama, I have been taking vitamins and supplements for years at the advice of my neurologist (Robert N. Pavy, MD, in Redwood City, CA 94062). He never mentioned any potential downsides to taking them along with my Tegretol and other Rx meds, and I have never experienced any problems. My meds: Tegretol (for seizures); Levothyroxine (low thyroid); Strattera, Zoloft, Aricept, Namenda (all for brain function/memory enhancement resulting from seizures and 40-plus years of seizure meds). Supplements (from Costco): Fish oil, senior-related multivitamins, various chrondoitin/MSM/glucosamine supplements for joint issues, "FocusFactor" ("brain food"), Folic acid, a generic version of Centrum for seniors (I'm 61), and a few more... I hope this helps. Your mileage may vary, of course.... :-) Jon

Re: Taking vitamins with seizure meds. what're the risks?

Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Sun, 2013-02-03 - 15:13
I worked as a writer in the health and wellness field for more than 10 years. So I know a thing or two about this stuff. But I also know from personal experience that epilepsy is a very unique condition. Between all the different types of seizures, and triggers, and meds…there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The same goes for diet. What works for one might definitely not work for another. And it certainly doesn’t take the place of meds. However, I do believe that although living a healthy lifestyle won’t cure you…it can certainly help you. So, here’s some information for sensible eating and supplementing your diet. Bear in mind, it is not a substitute for your meds. (Factoid: herbs are considered a chemical and can affect the way anti-epileptic drugs work. So, DON’T reduce or stop taking your meds. Because that could lead to big-time seizures. Before you take supplements, ask your doc.) http://epilepsytalk.com/2009/11/26/fighting-seizures-nutritionally/ Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

Re: Taking vitamins with seizure meds. what're the risks?

Submitted by Masterjen on Sun, 2013-02-03 - 17:12
Your post caught my attention, because I've often noticed the same thing. The vitamins that seem most likely to make me feel worse post-seizure are Omega 3 and my multivitamin. I also take calcium with D as advised by the Dr. due to the potential bone-weakening effects of tegretol, but have never noticed any negative effects from these. The post-seizure symptoms I have last all day, and are feeling washed out, exhaustion, "numbness", mentally not really there, off-balance and difficulty walking straight. I don't know if it's all or just some of those effects that seem worse. My thought/question would be if these supplements make us worse post-seizure, wouldn't they in fact be seizure triggers? Maybe not triggers on there own, but when combined with other triggers like reduced sleep and stress.

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.

Subscribe