Hello,
I am the father of a 17 year old male teen who was first diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 in July 2020 due to a seizure (his first) he had in the same month. He was started on Depakote which he took regularly for some time (likely a year). I say likely because at some point without telling us, he became irregular at taking it primarily due to hair loss. Around Jan 2023 when we discovered the facts, we stated that we could not support his driving school lessons or driving practice if he did not take his medicine as per his prescription. With that, he did start taking it regularly but he had a 2nd seizure in Mar 2023 just a few months after he resumed his prescribed dose. His dosage was increased but it was causing extreme drowsiness and overall he was feeling crappy so his neurologist switched him to Keppra 1250mg daily. He had a 3rd seizure in May 2023 while being regular on Keppra. Fortunately all three of his seizures happened around both of his parents and we could immediately help him and stabilize him. All three happened within an hour of waking up so likely he has JME. He has also had a few muscle spasms during waking hours, highly likely these were myoclonic seizures. At this time, his dose has been increased to 1500mg daily.
While there appears to be no literature to support this, my spouse has a nagging feeling that resumption of Depakote and in general resumption of his seizure meds played a role in the last 2 episodes. Personally I am torn but do not believe in that theory. I believe that going off the meds caused the 2nd seizure. The 3rd (imo) was was either due to the transition from Depakote to Keppra (his neuro had warned us that the three month period between switch of meds is higher risk) or Keppra at 1250mg not being sufficient. On Depakote, he has clearly lost weight and is now in the 35th percentile for weight vs. being in the 60/70’s before Depakote.
He is a pretty typical teen and highly resistant to any lifestyle changes that we suggest including staying current with his vitamins, taking the meds at the same time daily, morning meditation, starting the day with 15 minutes of a Mozart piece known to help with epilepsy, reducing screen time on his devices and reducing some of the more hard edged music he listens to. As his parents, we want him to have a happy, healthy and normal (as much as possible at least) life but are struggling at time with his resistance and are concerned.
Any perspectives on how best to handle will be most appreciated.
I am the father of a 17 year old male teen who was first diagnosed with epilepsy at 14 in July 2020 due to a seizure (his first) he had in the same month. He was started on Depakote which he took regularly for some time (likely a year). I say likely because at some point without telling us, he became irregular at taking it primarily due to hair loss. Around Jan 2023 when we discovered the facts, we stated that we could not support his driving school lessons or driving practice if he did not take his medicine as per his prescription. With that, he did start taking it regularly but he had a 2nd seizure in Mar 2023 just a few months after he resumed his prescribed dose. His dosage was increased but it was causing extreme drowsiness and overall he was feeling crappy so his neurologist switched him to Keppra 1250mg daily. He had a 3rd seizure in May 2023 while being regular on Keppra. Fortunately all three of his seizures happened around both of his parents and we could immediately help him and stabilize him. All three happened within an hour of waking up so likely he has JME. He has also had a few muscle spasms during waking hours, highly likely these were myoclonic seizures. At this time, his dose has been increased to 1500mg daily.
While there appears to be no literature to support this, my spouse has a nagging feeling that resumption of Depakote and in general resumption of his seizure meds played a role in the last 2 episodes. Personally I am torn but do not believe in that theory. I believe that going off the meds caused the 2nd seizure. The 3rd (imo) was was either due to the transition from Depakote to Keppra (his neuro had warned us that the three month period between switch of meds is higher risk) or Keppra at 1250mg not being sufficient. On Depakote, he has clearly lost weight and is now in the 35th percentile for weight vs. being in the 60/70’s before Depakote.
He is a pretty typical teen and highly resistant to any lifestyle changes that we suggest including staying current with his vitamins, taking the meds at the same time daily, morning meditation, starting the day with 15 minutes of a Mozart piece known to help with epilepsy, reducing screen time on his devices and reducing some of the more hard edged music he listens to. As his parents, we want him to have a happy, healthy and normal (as much as possible at least) life but are struggling at time with his resistance and are concerned.
Any perspectives on how best to handle will be most appreciated.