R.I.P. Jett Travolta
I suppose most of you have heard that Jett Travolta, son of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, died a few days ago, after having a seizure in the bathtub and hitting his head. Susan Schechter writes on her blog that Jett was taking Depakote for seizures before he died; Depakote is a med that’s frequently prescribed as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder. I used to take it myself, but it didn’t help. Now I take another anti-seizure med, Lamictal, which does help me.
Unfortunately, as Susan reports, Jett suffered from “drug poop out” with Depakote. It sounds like the poor kid struggled mightily with his symptoms and the family did what they could to keep him well. I know there will be attacks on Travolta and Preston because they’re Scientologists and therefore may have strange ideas about medicine, but I’m thinking those kind of speculations should wait, if they’re aired at all. This is a tragedy and Jett’s parents did what they thought was best for him.
To read more from Susan, go here.
liz | 10:21 AM | Uncategorized
Dear Liz,
I would like to point out that Depakote’s origins started out as an AED (Anti-Epileptic Drug) and like many of these AED’s they have been also used as cross-over medications for mood disorders.
It is sad to read about this young boy’s demise but many individuals both younger and older unfortunately die of Epilepsy both treated and untreated as do many who similarly suffer from severe mood disorders also treated and untreated.
From what little I have read I am lead to believe both his parents were caring and loving of him regardless of their religious affiliations and the fact he was taking a medication is interesting and somewhat telling at least to me that is.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
I’m not a Scientologist and I have what many people would consider strange beliefs about medication.
This family was facing a heart-breaking situation and clearly did the best they could in the face of what proved to be overwhelming odds.
Sigh.
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