Melatonin & Nocturnal Seizures

July 15, 2003

Hi Darrel,

Good to hear you're having some positive results--there are pitfalls along

the way.

I have posted on Meltonin in sleep related seizures, but just in case you

missed it here it is again. Dr.La Joie seemed very receptive to using these more

natural approaches if possble.

If seizures occur only at night, there is a connection to the sleep cycle

which is regulated by melatonin. I think you might want to look into this.

perhaps Dr.LaJoie might be of help.

arnold

Subj: Melatonin for Epilepsy

Date: 3/23/2003

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At a conference on Epilepsy at NYU medical center March 22,2003 Dr.Josiane

LaJoie,MD a Pediatric Neurologist at NYU medical center presented a very

informative talk on the use of Melatonin in treating epilepsy. It appears that

melatonin, a hormone helping to regulate sleep, bocks the effects of glutamate

and

enhances the effects of Gaba. The relation to the sleep cycle makes it even

more likely to be effective in those who have night time seizures. The positive

effect has been demonstrated in both animal and human studies. she mentioned

that NYU is doing a study with melatonin. Melatonin is usually used in conjuncti

on with other AED's, but I hope it might be helpful without AED's. It

potentiates the effects of some AED's such as carbamazepine(Tegretol) and

phenobarbitol.

Dr. LaJoie seemed very open minded about looking at and using more natural

alternative therapies. I would highly recommend that if you are looking for an

openminded pediatric neurologist you consider consulting with her. Her tel.#

212-263-8378.

Arnold

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