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jyearta

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Hi, this is my 1st. time.

I have had epilepsy for over 40 years. I have seen many Doctors and lost count of the many Mediciations.
I am on Dilantin and klonopin that have my seizures under control.
I have been getting B-12 shots for several years now, however the shots seem to only work 1 day.
I feel fatigued alot.
I know that with taking anti-epileptic drugs leads to B-12 deficiency.
Is anyone else dealing with this? I would appreicate your input.
 
Hi, jyearta,

Welcome to the forum!

Blood tests should show a B vitamin deficiency. But most of us take a B supplement anyway. It seems to help with some of the mood issues that are a side effect of our drugs.

Some AEDs DO mess with our Folate and B12 levels.

OBJECTIVE: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are important for the treatment of epilepsy, psychiatric diseases, and pain syndromes. Small studies have suggested that AED treatment reduces serum levels of folate and vitamin B12.

METHODS: This prospective monocenter study aimed at testing the hypothesis that AED treatment is associated with folate and vitamin B12 serum levels in a large population. A total of 2730 AED-treated and 170 untreated patients with epilepsy and 200 healthy individuals were enrolled.

RESULTS: Treatment with carbamazepine, gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, primidone, or valproate was associated with lower mean serum folate levels or with a higher frequency of folate levels below the reference range in comparison with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, or controls. Treatment with phenobarbital, pregabalin, primidone, or topiramate was associated with lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the entire group of patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in patients treated with valproate compared with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls. Folate or vitamin B12 levels below the reference range were associated with higher mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and higher homocysteine plasma levels. Vitamin substitution for 3 months in 141 patients with folate or vitamin B12 levels below the reference range yielded normal vitamin levels in 95% of the supplemented patients and reduced MCV and homocysteine plasma levels.

INTERPRETATION: Treatment with most of the commonly used AEDs is associated with reduced folate or vitamin B12 serum levels and is a risk factor for hyperhomocysteinemia. Oral substitution is effective to restore vitamin, MCV, and homocysteine levels.
Click to expand...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21246600
 
Thank you.
I have tryed taking folic acid, however I had a seizure each time I tried taking it.
 
Hi Jyearta, welcome to CWE!

Every since I went on AEDs (elevn years ago,) my blood tests put me just below the healthy range for red and white blood cells, so on top of a B-Complex vitamin supplement, I also take B12 and B6 separately during the day. I'm not too fatigued (although I'm not a ball of energy either), and my CBC still hovers at the low end. At various times over the years I've had a lot more energy, especially when I was exercising a significant amount -- maybe that will help you too? You might also want to consider a sleep study -- apnea and restless sleep could be contributing to your fatugue.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Thank you so much for your time. I have tried taking Vit. B-6 and folic acid (at different times) but with each I had seizures.
I gave myself my B-12 shot last Wed. then by Fri. I could barely go. That is just 2 daysl ater. I would hate to need the shot more often, I get mean to others and I really do not want to hurt anyone. My husband has been so good and understanding. I asked my Neur. if B-12 shots made anyone else irradated, his answer AS ALWAYS IS he does know.

I hope this message comes back to you. I am still learning my way around.
 
You can have B12 supplemented as a slow-release skin patch or as a nasal spray, so you might want to try those to "tide you over" between injections.
 
Thank you again.
I have learned so much (about Me)
than I have (any) information from my drs.

You have a appt. and I think good I am going to get help or at least information on what is going on..only to find the Dr. just doesn't seem to care.

Not that I'm glad others are going the troubles of epilepsy and Dr., however it's nice to know I'm not alone.
 
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