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Taking Epilepsy Medications. Noticed High Ggp Levels. Taking Liv52. Suggestions
Question: Hello, my brother has been on epilepsy medication from the age of 4. He is now 57. Has been on phenobarbitone
and Mysoline for a number of years. in the last 5 years or so, his seizures are almost non existent thanks to modern medicine and change of physicians. He is now on gardinal , Frisiam. However long term abuse of pheno, seems to have taken its toll on his liver as his ggp levels are high. He is on lacosam but still the level is not normal. He was on liv52 but that did not help either. Any suggestions? He is a non smoker, teetotaller and by and large a vegetarian.
Brief answer...given below
Detailed answer.....
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I understand your predicament on this issue.
GGTP elevation is an expected effect of longterm use of phenobarbitone.
Your brother should get ALP,LFT's and INR done.
If there are no sign and symptoms of hepatotoxicity like jaundice,rash,high ALP,LFT and INR,then there should not be any worry and therapy with phenobarbitone should be continued as usual,however do discuss about this with your treating doctor.
Since you have not had any seizure in past 5 years,then phenobarbitone dose may be very gradually reduced and stopped ultimately,but only after consulting your doctor and under his advice only.
I hope it helps however you may revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the prompt reply. Phenobarbitone was stopped several years ago and he is only on gardinal and Frisiam now. However will do the tests as advised.
Hello,
Gardinal has phenobarbitone in it.
You must get the tests done.
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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