Epilepsy Talk

Pregnancy with Epilepsy — Medication Dangers

July 1, 2017
4 Comments

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, mothers taking seizure medication, risk birth defects of 4 to 8 percent — compared with 2 to 3 percent for all babies. Not much of a difference.

But the risk seems to be highest when multiple seizure medications are taken. Yet, without medication, uncontrolled seizures may deprive the baby of oxygen. Seizures can also increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth.

So, it’s important, as you know, to get the right balance.


Colds, Flu and You…

June 4, 2017
28 Comments

With all the colds and flu going around, it’s not easy to figure out which medications which are safe to take.

Obviously, the best way to manage medication interactions is to avoid medications that are known to cause problems.

A few medicines that you pick up off the shelf at the drug store can potentially increase the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy, or even cause first-time seizures.


Sex and Epilepsy — The Ultimate Challenge

May 8, 2017
4 Comments

It’s the $64,000 question.

Can I have sex with epilepsy, all the AEDs, and side-effects?

The answer is yes.

If you’re willing to be flexible.


Clinical Trials — International Database

January 28, 2017
6 Comments

There’s a whole treasure trove of clinical trials information now available as a free service of the National Institutes of Health, developed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

ClinicalTrials.gov is a web-based resource that provides patients, family members, health care professionals, researchers, and the public with easy access to information on publicly and privately supported clinical studies on a wide range of diseases and conditions.

Presently, there are 131,167 studies with locations in 179 countries, including the U.S. Studies are easy to search for by topic and location.


Keppra – A New Breakthrough

March 13, 2016
14 Comments

Recently, the FDA approved the very first 3D-printed medication.

3D printing has taken the world by storm, and although it may sound like science fiction, it’s here to stay.

And the pharmaceutical industry is getting in on this innovative technology.


Epilepsy and Birth Control

November 23, 2014
1 Comment

Figuring out birth control with epilepsy meds can be a challenge at best.

How will your AEDs affect your birth control? Will your birth control lessen the effectiveness of your meds?


Unsafe Gluten Food List

September 2, 2014
5 Comments

For those who suffer from celiac disease, here’s a run-down on the foods that should be on your no-no list:


Acupuncture for Epilepsy — Pros and Cons

June 15, 2014
8 Comments

Acupuncture, which as been part of China’s medical heritage for over 3,000 years, was introduced into the United States and Canada in the 1970’s.

Since that time, it’s become one of the most frequently requested of the complementary therapies (to be used in conjunction with conventional medicine or other treatments.)


What do Stevie Nicks and Whitney Houston Have In Common?

June 1, 2014
99 Comments

Seventies-era rock star Stevie Nicks is the poster girl for the perils of Klonopin addiction.

Whitney Houston ‘s death at 48, has raised the specter that she was taking Xanax (alprazolam) at the time she died.

What both situations have in common is that they were taking drugs in the benzodiazepine family.

And when it comes to prescription drugs that are able to destroy you, it’s hard to top the benzodiazepines.


NEW Anti-Epilepsy Drugs

October 20, 2013
16 Comments

As an orphan drug, you can see why epilepsy isn’t way up front in the funding department.

But, miraculously, there are 7 new drugs that have come down the line.

Here’s a brief summary of each…


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    About the author

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    Phylis Feiner Johnson

    I've been a professional copywriter for over 35 years. I also had epilepsy for decades. My mission is advocacy; to increase education, awareness and funding for epilepsy research. Together, we can make a huge difference. If not changing the world, at least helping each other, with wisdom, compassion and sharing.

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