What supplements might help if I have seizures?

Always check with your doctor and healthcare team before taking a new supplement. Some natural substances, including herbs, can interact with drugs -- and possibly limit the effectiveness of your seizure medications. A trained professional can provide guidance on what and how much to take -- and steer you away from troubling side effects and potentially dangerous interactions.

• Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) -- This chemical messenger involved in nervous system activity may be low in people who have seizures.
• L-Carnitine -- This protein building block (amino acid) may be depleted by anticonvulsant drugs, especially valproic acid.
• Taurine -- People who have seizures may have low levels of this protein building block (amino acid), which might play a role in your brain's electrical activity.
• Thiamine (vitamin B1) -- May be depleted by anticonvulsant drugs.
• Vitamin B12 -- May be depleted by certain anticonvulsant drugs.
• Vitamin E -- Might help lower seizure frequency when combined with medication.