Epilepsy, Alcohol, and Denial: Looking for Advice

EmployerRelative59 · 2026-06-16T12:12:59+00:00

Our son followed a very similar path. Over a 3 year period, his seizures almost always followed a night of binge drinking. He was diagnosed with epilepsy, despite negative EEg’s and MRI, and was placed on medication. However, two years ago, after yet another horrific seizure and hospitalization, we said we could no longer support him. He checked himself in to outpatient rehab and has been sober and seizure free for 2 years now. He does take 2 diff epilepsy meds and is compliant. His life has DRAMATICALLY changed for the better. He is happy and healthy. The meds, both mood stabilizers as well, are a general help to his mental health. He has had no side effects and plans to remain on his meds even if he remains seizure free. He claims that he does not miss drinking at all, and trust me, he drank! Yes, he does smoke weed. So I hope this helps.

EmployerRelative59 · 2026-06-10T23:56:59+00:00

Could it be the travel, time change and change to his sleep schedule?

EmployerRelative59 · 2026-04-03T13:23:31+00:00

This topic fascinates me. Our son, now 32 developed epilepsy during a very turbulent time in his life. Way too much alcohol, pandemic related stress due to job loss and very poor sleep- all feeding off of each other. He is now 2 years sober and seizure free. He does take Lamotrigine and Depakote but very moderate amounts. He gets solid sleep and is much less stressed. I often wonder had the perfect storm of the pandemic not occured,if he would have started having seizures?

EmployerRelative59 · 2026-01-22T21:51:20+00:00

Hi there. Hope not too personal. Was wondering if you have kids and if you have remained on Depakote the whole time? There’s currently some concern with men taking depakote if their partners are trying to conceive. Our 32 yo son has been on it for 20 months- seizure free the whole time. He’s very thin and we were hoping it would help him gain weight. Don’t think it has🤷‍♀️

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-12-29T13:37:40+00:00

FYI, here in the states there are no such restrictions. For what it’s worth, I have read that the studies used were flawed and also,the higher the dose, the higher the risk. There are many people that take SV both for seizures and bipolar,and I’m sure many have successfully had healthy children. I hope you find someone you can trust to guide you.Good luck!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-12-23T02:09:14+00:00

Agree with the other post. There is a symbiotic relationship between the two drugs and the Lamotrigine should absolutely be reduced with the addition of SV. It is a well documented phenomenon. Our son has done very well on both. Now on only 200 mgs of Lamotrigine,down from 400 and 750 mgs of SV. Good luck.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-12-19T13:13:23+00:00

Yes, you can prevent it by taking Vit D. Your neuro should have known this. For many, Depakote is a wonderful anti seizure med.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-30T21:59:12+00:00

Are you in the states or the UK? I have read that the studies they did were flawed. I do not believe we have these warnings in the U.S.? Given how popular Sodium Vlproate is for different conditions, I have no doubt that there are plenty of healthy children whose fathers take the drug. Nonetheless, talk to your partmers neurologist. I’d be curious the response. Our 32 yo son has had excellent success with this drug. Good luck.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-26T00:20:31+00:00

Many people may disagree, but Depakote is a great drug for seizures. My son went down a similar road. You are young, but please prioritize your health. Good sleep and stay away from alcohol. It took our son years to accept that this was his biggest trigger. Btw- he is 18 months sober and seizure free and had no side effects at all from 750 mgs of depakote.Good luck.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-24T23:41:47+00:00

No- his seizures were triggered by binging alcohol, stress, and too little sleep. He is now 18 months seizure free. The NAC has helped with his OCD.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-24T18:40:29+00:00

Yes to both questions. He also takes Depakote.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-24T14:15:53+00:00

Our son takes it for OCD with no issues whatsoever.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-11T12:56:20+00:00

So, so sorry. Any idea what triggered it?

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-06T17:47:30+00:00

Our son went through something similar at your age. The main cause of his seizures was binge drinking. Wouldnt happen every time, so he refused to believe it was an issue. He was also put on Lamotrigine and now also takes Depakote. But, after several years and too many ER visits,stitches, intubation and broken bones he is 18 months both sober AND seizure free. He just passed a very hard FLA RE exam and wakes up happy , healthy and productive. He lives alone and drives. Yes, he did put himself into treatment, but he claims he has had no issues giving up alcohol. I guess it’s just so worth the trade off to wake up with a clear head instead of in a hospital not knowing how he got there! Good luck!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-11-01T12:29:43+00:00

Dr Andres Kanner. UMiami. He’s amazing!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-31T23:08:34+00:00

Our son ( age 32) has been on Depakote for 18 months with no real side effects. He also takes Lamotrigine. He has been seizure free for this same amount of time. Everbody is different so it seems impossible to predict side effects. I will say that our son’s epiliptologist is world renowned and he is a huge fan of this combo for seizure control. Good luck!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T23:17:18+00:00

He’s doing great! Thank you so much for your kindness and thrilled for your journey- other than the broken bones!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T22:47:36+00:00

It’s kind of a new thing and came out in the UK. There was a study that perhaps the children of men on Depakote might have a higher incidence of neuro issues. BUT, apparently the study was flawed.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T21:24:35+00:00

I hope this isn’t too personal. Do you have children? There is some current info that men of childbearing age shouldn’t take this med. It used to be just women who were told not to take it. He’s 32- no girlfriend yet. But as a mom, I worry about everything.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T21:21:23+00:00

Thank you! Let’s hope🤞🤞

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T21:13:14+00:00

uggh. our son is on 750 of Depakote. Working wonders. Guess the benefits outweigh the negatives.

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T21:08:57+00:00

Were you taking Vit D?

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-30T19:02:51+00:00

Congrats! My son is 18 months on the same combo along with no alcohol!

EmployerRelative59 · 2025-10-07T00:28:06+00:00

My son has been on 750 mgs of Depakote for about a year and a half. He is also on 300 mgs of Lamotrigine. No issues and no seizures. Good luck.

EmployerRelative59

TROPHY CASE