Epilepsy Talk

How are your meds affecting you? 

March 10, 2023
4 Comments

They’re necessary, but not necessarily nice. And every med has its own side-effects. Just as different people experience different difficulties.

Here‘s the low-down on the possible side-effects of your drugs and the secrets they may hold.

Some might sound painfully familiar…


Stevens-Johnson Syndrome — A Danger For Those On Dilantin Or Lamictal

July 18, 2022
7 Comments

This article is not for those with a weak stomach. Because Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an ugly and sometimes deadly disease.

But if you are on Dilantin or Lamictal, I urge you to read this information.


Epilepsy drug side-effects…

June 19, 2022
14 Comments

They’re necessary, but not necessarily nice.

And every med has its own side-effects.

Just as different people experience different difficulties.

But here‘s the low-down on some possible side-effects.

I hope you don’t have to suffer any of them. (Or as few as possible.)


Antidepressants and epilepsy…

May 22, 2022
7 Comments

For a long time, depression has been thought to be a complication of epilepsy.

“People with a history of depression have a 3 to 7 times higher risk of developing epilepsy. This kind of information is forcing us to take a second look at the interaction between depression and epilepsy” said Dr. Andres Kanner, a Professor of Clinical Neurology and Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center of the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine.


Death, Depression and AEDs

March 3, 2020
25 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?


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.


Increased Birth Defect Risks in Two FDA-Approved Epilepsy Medications

October 20, 2011
2 Comments

Two epilepsy drugs – Lamictal and Keppra – which are currently listed in category C may be dangerous to a fetus and should be listed in category D, according to new data. The difference between the categories is that D shows evidence of risk, but the benefits outweigh the risks…


    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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