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irish

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Hello All,

First time poster here.

I have a question that hopefully some one can help me with.

I was on Epilim 2.4 a day and still getting on average 3-4 seizures p.a.

My neurologist asked how I felt about switiching meds again and I had no problem with that. I was slowly reducing the dosage of epilim and increasing the dosage of vimpat (the latter being a new med).

Week 3 I had another seizure and was disappointed to say the least...... I have been on a huge diet change (25 kgs weight loss in 7 months) and have been feeling great of late. Is there any truth in that grapefruit can effect meds drastically? I was having a grapefruit every morning for about 10 days previous to my latest seizure. I was told about this and was wondering if this is a myth or not.

Any advice is most welcome.........I'm due back to my G.P. next week.

Cheers.
 
Hi irish, welcome to CWE!

Chemicals in grapefruit interfere with the enzymes that break down the meds, so they stay longer in your body. The result is that the med increases in potency. It doesn't take much -- as little as one grapefruit or one 8-ounce glass of grapefruit juice can cause an effect that may last more than 24 hours.

Grapefruit can mess with the metabolism of quite a few meds, but the only anti-seizure med on the list is Tegretol (also known as Carbatrol or Carbamazepine). Vimpat and Epilim aren't on the list though (see http://www.cmaj.ca/content/suppl/2012/11/26/cmaj.120951.DC1/grape-bailey-1-at.pdf)
 
Thanks for the reply. ....... I was hoping there was some substance to it as at least it would be a reason.

I have just looked online and I did read a report giving another view. Ill run it past my gp and neurologist.
 
Wanted to welcome you to our party.

When I have taken over the counter vitamins, they have cause me to have more seizures. Just some info. I wanted to share with you.
 
Many thanks for sharing that.

Ive got into healthy eating big time so I'll keep an eye on what eat/take.

Thanks.
 
Hey :)

I'm pretty new here too.. and don't have much more to ad than the other have already said but just wanted to say hi :) and welcome. I remember being told not to eat grapefruit as it can mess around with my meds (i'm on Keppra) but it's so hard to tell isn't it?! i feel like im told a lot of different things and often not told much at all. i try to be proactive with my questions when i visit my neuro.. and it helps to come here first and bounce ideas around.. That's why i love this forum because we can share our experiences- i know that it can't replace medical advice, but it's so good to share and listen to each other :D good luck with it all :banana:
 
I agree, it's good to get some advice. It gives me a few more questions for my next visit.
 
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