New here.

[79wot]

I am new to this forum. I started having seizures when I was 19, I am 33 now. I struggled for years to find the right medication and dosage. I have been taking Lamictal over 2 years now and I haven't had a seizure in just over 2 years.

I joined this forum because I have questions and concerns the crop up and I thought it would be helpful to talk to others with epilepsy. Here is my first question:

I am going to start lifting weights again soon with a friend. He wants me to start taking a protein supplement and creatine. I am worried that if I start to take either or both of those it will react with my meds. Does anyone have any experience with those supplements? Should I be worried? The creatine worries me more than the protein but I would love feedback and shared experiences on this.

Thanks and I am excited about having found this forum.

[Rae1889]

Welcome Welcome!

The only thing that I can say is to talk to your pharmacist or doctor before you take anything that you think will affect your meds or you negatively. If your hesitant, then its best not to take it.

Also, body building, weight loss or weight gain changes how much of your med is absorbed and how fast. so You may end up needing more of the drug due to higher metabolism or less of it due to smaller weight and size. just be careful and any questions you have should also be asked to a medical professional

gentle breezes,
Rae

[79wot]

good advice, thanks.

[Nakamova]

Hi 79Wot, welcome!

I agree with Rae. In general creatine's considered a safe supplement (and may even have some protective benefits for neurons), but it hasn't been tested extensively or for long-term side effects. Some studies suggest that it interacts in a bad way with caffeine, ephedra and other herbs and supplements, as well as with some prescription medications, so proceed with caution and ask your doc about it first.

[huskymom]

Hi and Welcome!!

Always great to find someone new on the site! I wish you the best, but definitely be sure to check with your doctor before you get started.

[skillefer]

Hello!

My hubby used to body build, so I have some experience with creatine. Honestly, I wouldnt take it. Creatine draws water into your intestines and increases the frequency of bowel movements. This can mess with your medications absorption. As for the protein, check with your doc. Calcium can screw up the absorption rate of some medications.

[epileric]

I know when I took creatine I saw a sharp rise in my seizures.

[79wot]

I talked to my doc and he is ok with protein. He said he didn't know about creatine. Based on that and the comments here I am not taking creatine, just 100% whey protein. Whey protein I found is just a cheese by product. Thanks again, I appreciate your help.