Hi epiphanyd,

Welcome to the forum! Just like you I've had petit mal (absence seizures) for 35 yrs. and I've tried 13 or more seizure meds (AED's) and not a single one has completely stopped my seizures. I finally had 2 brain surgeries to help reduce my seizures.
As Eileen mentioned stay away from aspartame (neutra sweet) it has been proven that it causes more electrical activity in the brain and can trigger seizures for some people. You should also cut back on the starch foods and carbohydrates. I learned about this after going on the ketogenic diet to help reduce my seizures and it has worked well.
You may be drug resistant like I am and that's why I had surgery. Today the Dr. can order a DNA blood test for you to see what seizure meds would help you the most by matching it up to your DNA profile.
Over the yrs. I've seen many neuros. and I found I got the best help going to a University hospital where they have an Epilepsy Center. There I have worked with an Epileptologist- Dr. specializing in epilepsy, a neuropsychologist who does tests to see what side of the brain is being affected by the seizures and a neurosurgeon. All these Drs. work together as a team to find the best treatment with the least amount of AED's.
I've found taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. once a day a big help along with taking diamox and mysoline which breaks down into phenobarbital. Here's wishing you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue