anti-epilepsy drugs | Epilepsy Talk

AEDs…Surgery…and Alternative Treatments…

September 18, 2018
14 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.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, News, Research
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, biofeedback, Cell Transplantation, Deep Brain Stimulation, Epilepsy, Gama Knife Surgery, Gene Therapy, Homeopathy, Hormone Imbalances, Naturopathy, options, Responsive Neurostimulation, surgery, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Anti-Epilepsy Drugs Lose Effectiveness Over Time…

August 6, 2018
30 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.

Almost all first, second and third-generation epilepsy drugs lose their efficacy after prolonged treatment.

Perhaps it’s because your metabolism builds up a tolerance to the drug. And ramping up the dosage can work.

Or it may be a functional tolerance where your brain receptors have become resistant to the drug. In that case, a change in medications may help. But whatever the cause, you’re not alone…

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, decline, drug-resistant, effectivness, metabolism, time, tolerance

The Trouble with AEDs

May 9, 2018
36 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?

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, benefits, dangers, seizures, side effects, uses

Have You Had A Concussion?

March 30, 2014
32 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.

Posted in Epilepsy, Research
Tags: adults, anti-epilepsy drugs, children, concussions, Epilepsy, head trauma, symptoms

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…

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, News, Research
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, depression, new study, risk, suicide

Death, Depression and AEDs

August 24, 2010
6 Comments

“All patients who are currently taking or starting on any anti-epileptic drug should be closely monitored for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression,” the FDA warned in a letter to health professionals…

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, News
Tags: anti-epilepsy drugs, depakote, depression, FDA analysis, Felbatol, Gabitril, Keppra, Lamictal, Lyrica, Neurontin, suicide risk, Tegretol, Topamax, Trileptal, Zonegran