Abstract
Valproate therapy has been associated with significant decreases in serum-free carnitine plasma concentrations. This double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study investigated the usefulness of carnitine supplementation in affecting perceived energy levels in a group of adolescents with epilepsy treated with valproate monotherapy. Eleven males and eight females received a randomized placebo phase and a treatment phase that consisted of L-carnitine, 1 gm twice daily for 5–6 weeks. Baseline, phase I, and phase II measurements included free and total carnitine, valproate serum concentration, venous ammonia concentration, self- and parent-ratings of mood state and energy levels, a screening test for cognitive ability, and 1-week sleep records. No significant group differences between carnitine and placebo conditions were found on any of the cognitive, mood, energy, or sleep measures. Only 2 out of 19 had low baseline serum carnitine. In conclusion, carnitine supplementation appears to have no discernable effects in this healthy sample and should be reserved for those patients on valproate with clinical evidence of carnitine deficiency.
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