Epilepsy Talk

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.


Epilepsy drug side-effects… 

July 9, 2024
7 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.


Bipolar versus epilepsy. Are they related?

March 5, 2024
2 Comments

Yes they’re related. And they even overlap. Although one doesn’t necessarily cause the other.

A psychiatrist might tell you that you are bipolar. A neurologist might diagnose you with psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES).

So which is it?


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.


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…


Anti-epilepsy drugs and osteoporosis — it’s not just a woman’s disease

August 31, 2022
8 Comments

A research team consisting of epilepsy specialists and epidemiologists (persons who study the causes and control of diseases) reports on a study that answered an important but simple question:

Do anti-seizure drugs cause reductions in bone density?

Why ask this question?


Calcium – Friend or Foe?

July 1, 2022
14 Comments

After talking to a famous epileptologist, I learned that calcium is really a two-edged sword. Which surprised (and scared) me.

I’ve always read that calcium was imperative if you were taking anti-epilepsy drugs — especially Dilantin. Even if your doc “forgot” to tell you!


    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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