Epilepsy Talk

7 myths about medication – and the facts behind them

December 2, 2025
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Misconceptions about medicine are as common as pills on a pharmacy shelf.

We could all use a healthy dose of the truth.

Cleveland Clinic drug information pharmacist Katie Stabi, debunks seven of the most common myths about medications below:


Death, Depression and AEDs

November 13, 2025
2 Comments

“Suicide Risk from 11 Anti-Epilepsy Drugs,” headlines blared across the country.

But we’re still here.

Was it sensationalism by the journalists, irresponsibility by the pharmaceutical industry or laxness of the FDA?

The answer is none of the above. And, by the way, they forgot to include antidepressants.

At best, I’d call it a misunderstanding.  At worst, I’d call it manipulation.


Anti-Epilepsy Drugs Lose Effectiveness Over Time… 

July 17, 2023
5 Comments

It may be the dose prescribed…the type of epilepsy you have…even something as simple as your age or weight.

But research shows that, over time, the effectiveness of your anti-epilepsy drug may decline.


Death, depression and AEDs

June 25, 2023
3 Comments

“Suicide Risk from 11 Anti-Epilepsy Drugs,” headlines blared across the country.

But we’re still here.

Was it sensationalism by the journalists, irresponsibility by the pharmaceutical industry or laxness of the FDA?

The answer is none of the above. And, by the way, they forgot to include anti-depressants.

At best, I’d call it a misunderstanding. At worst, I’d call it manipulation.


The Trouble with AEDs… 

February 19, 2023
4 Comments

At the very best, finding the right anti-epilepsy drug is a crap shoot. There’s always the hope that this one will do it.

Or maybe adjunct therapy will work. Or, sigh, the side-effects derail you and you’re on to the next.

Is asking for seizure control too much to ask?


AEDs…Surgery…and Alternative Treatments…

March 21, 2021
7 Comments

The saying “there’s something for everyone” may be true.

But with epilepsy, it’s often a dicey proposition — not to mention frustrating — to determine what that “something” is for you.


Have You Had A Concussion?

March 30, 2014
34 Comments

In a fraction of a second, head trauma can dramatically change your life.

It can be a boink on the head, a fall, sports activities, or a car accident — among many other possibilities.


UPDATE: AED Suicide Risk…

August 25, 2010
12 Comments

July 28, 2010 Medical News Today

“While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires a warning of an increased risk of suicide for all epilepsy drugs, a new study shows that only certain drugs may increase the risk. The study is published in the July 27, 2010, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology…


    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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