Carnitine supplementation?

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MidwestMama

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My son (17) is on Depakote (750 mg./day) and always seem to tire very easily. Doctor can find no medical reason for it (though he hasn't specifically done lab work -- just chalks it up to my son's being a teenager and having high-functioning autism). Recently I read that Depakote can cause carnitine deficiency and result in symptoms similar to those in chronic fatigue syndrome.

So I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with carnitine supplementation -- form, dosage, etc.

Thanks for your help.
 
Hi MwM,
I would recommend getting some testing done to see if carnitine deficiency is actually happening.

There are blood and urine tests that can help identify if carnitine is deficient

Supplementing with carnitine can increase seizure activity and is not recommended unless you have a deficiency. "Seizures: L-carnitine seems to make seizures more likely in people who have had seizures before. If you have had a seizure, do not use L-carnitine."
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-suppl...1026-l-carnitine.aspx?activeingredientid=1026

There are many reason to tire easily and identifying and then treating the actual cause would be best.
 
Frink said:
Hi MwM,
I would recommend getting some testing done to see if carnitine deficiency is actually happening.

There are blood and urine tests that can help identify if carnitine is deficient

Supplementing with carnitine can increase seizure activity and is not recommended unless you have a deficiency. "Seizures: L-carnitine seems to make seizures more likely in people who have had seizures before. If you have had a seizure, do not use L-carnitine."

There are many reason to tire easily and identifying and then treating the actual cause would be best.
Click to expand...

Yikes! I wondered about that. Thank you so much for this info. I will definitely check with the doctor for testing and get his OK before doing anything.
 
Your very welcome. I would ask the Dr to do blood work that tests for all causes of fatigue, CBC, RBC magnesium, thyroid, all types of anemia, and anything else the Dr can think of.

The Depakote itself could be causing it or even tiny little seizures or difficulty getting good sleep/sleep apnea.
 
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