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Taking Zonigran And Depakote For Epileptic Seizures. Why Can't I Drink Grapefruit Juice? Have Become Forgetful
I am an epileptic who takes Zonigran and Depakote for grand-mal seizures. I am wondering why I shouldn t drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking Zonigran and if this applies to other citrus fruits. Why does Zonigran cause your body to retain amonia? I have read my drug interaction pamphlets but they were not specific and I cannot remember what my epileptoligist explained to me. The Zonigran makes me very forgetful. Could you please advise?
Sat, 9 Feb 2013
Hi there ~
Zonegran is a good medication for epilepsy. It is one of the newer anti epileptic drugs. However if you are having problems with side effects from taking the medication, for example, forgetfulness, I recommend that you see your neurologist to explain to him/her that you have been having problems. A switch to another anti epileptic medication may be the answer. I hope this helps.
Take care.
Zonegran is a good medication for epilepsy. It is one of the newer anti epileptic drugs. However if you are having problems with side effects from taking the medication, for example, forgetfulness, I recommend that you see your neurologist to explain to him/her that you have been having problems. A switch to another anti epileptic medication may be the answer. I hope this helps.
Take care.
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Hi There, Thank you for asking. The reason is that Zonigran is metabolized by a rout in the liver that a substance which is found in grapefruit is metabolized. This causes a change in the plasma level of the medication you are using. This is not applied to other citrus fruits so you can freely eat other citrus fruits. Zonigran is a medication which alters the PH of your blood by excretion of acid and retaining of amonia. This helps to change the threshold for the seizure and stabilize the neurons cell membrane. I wish you a seizure free life. If you do not have seizure for two years, the doctor may decrease or discontinue your medications. i wish you a good health.
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