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Travolta Son Was Off His Meds: Lawyers

But had been removed from longtime drug to protect his health

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 4, 2009 2:52 PM CST

(Newser) – Jett Travolta was no longer on anti-seizure medication when he died, but not because Scientology opposed the drug, TMZ reports. John Travolta's lawyers say Jett had taken Depakote for years until it gradually lost its effectiveness. When Jett's seizure rate increased again, his father and Kelly Preston consulted neurosurgeons and took Jett off the drug to protect his health.

Travolta's lawyers, Michael Ossi and Michael McDermott, also described Jett's grand mal seizures as "frequent and extremely serious." They say "each seizure was like a death," leaving Jett unconscious and convulsing.

John Travolta's attorneys Michael Ossi, left, and Michael McDermott talk to reporters at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.
John Travolta's attorneys Michael Ossi, left, and Michael McDermott talk to reporters at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.   (AP Photos/Alan Diaz)
John Travolta attends the opening night for G'DAY USA: Australia Week at Jazz Lincoln Center on January 22, 2008 in New York City.
John Travolta attends the opening night for G'DAY USA: Australia Week at Jazz Lincoln Center on January 22, 2008 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
The entrance of John Travolta's vacation home is shown at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.
The entrance of John Travolta's vacation home is shown at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.   (AP Photos/Alan Diaz)
The entrance of John Travolta's vacation home is shown at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.
The entrance of John Travolta's vacation home is shown at West End, in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.   (AP Photos/Alan Diaz)
John Travolta listens to reporters questions at a fundraiser for Narconon International in Honolulu, Thursday, May 24, 2007.
John Travolta listens to reporters questions at a fundraiser for Narconon International in Honolulu, Thursday, May 24, 2007.   (AP Photo/Lucy Pemoni)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
Guest
Jan 7, 2009 12:05 AM CST
M.Mauren, According to the article, the medicine lost its effectiveness and they also were trying to protect his health. Meds usually come with side effects and if the medicine is not working well and causing side effects it was probably better to take him off. I think if it had been a scientology issue I think he would have never put him on it or taken him off it long ago.
Guest
Jan 5, 2009 11:29 PM CST
Is there any indication from the media as to whether it was J. Travolta's beliefs that lead him to discontinue the medication to his son? ...or am I reading TOO much in to this story?
Guest
Jan 4, 2009 9:03 PM CST
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have watched you since I have been a little girl and you are my favorite actor. I was heartbroken to hear of your loss. I admire the relationship you have with Kelly. You are in inspiration to many people. Your loss of Jett is one of the most horrible things that could have happened to your family. My prayers are with you all.

Travolta, Preston give thanks for support
People

Experts will perform autopsy tomorrow
AOL Music

Travolta camp upset over police version of events
TMZ

 
John Travolta • seizure • medication • Kelly Preston • Jett Travolta

 
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