“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.
Posted in
Epilepsy,
ResearchTags:
anti-epilepsy drugs,
antidepressants,
depakote,
depression,
depression-anxiety-suicidal behavior,
Felbatol,
Gabitril,
Keppra,
Lamictal,
Lyrica,
Neurontin,
Tegretol,
Topamax,
Trileptal,
Zonegran
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.
Posted in
Epilepsy,
Medication Issues,
ResearchTags:
antiepilepsy drug side effects,
Ativan,
Banzel,
Carbatrol,
depakote,
Diamox,
Diastat Acudial,
Dilantin,
Felbatol,
Frisium,
Gabitril,
Hp Acthar Gel,
Keppra,
Klonopin,
Lamictal,
Lyrica,
Mysoline,
Neurontin,
Ocopri,
Onfi,
Peganone,
Perampanel,
Phenobarbital,
Phenytek,
Rufinamide,
Sabril,
Tegretol,
Topamax,
Tranxene,
Trileptal,
Viibryd,
Vimpat,
Zarontin,
Zonegran
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?
Posted in
Epilepsy,
Medication IssuesTags:
anti-seizure medications,
bipolar,
Depakene,
depakote,
depressive,
drugs,
Lamictal,
manic,
mental illness,
psychogenic nonepileptic seizures,
Tegretol,
temporal lobe epilepsy
“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.
Posted in
EpilepsyTags:
anti-epilepsy drugs,
depakote,
depression,
FDA analysis,
Felbatol,
Gabitril,
Keppra,
Lamictal,
Lyrica,
Neurontin,
suicide risk,
Tegretol,
Topamax,
Trileptal,
Zonegran
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…
Posted in
Epilepsy,
Medication Issues,
ResearchTags:
anti-epilepsy drug side-effects,
Ativan,
Banzel,
Briviact,
Carbatrol,
Depakote and Depakene,
Diamox,
Diastat Acudial,
Dilantin,
Felbatol,
Gabitril,
Hp Acthar Gel,
Kepppra,
Klonopin,
Lamictal,
Lyrica,
Mysoline,
Neurontin,
Onfi,
Peganone,
Perampanel,
Phenobarbital,
Phenytek,
Portiga,
Rufinamide,
Sabril,
Tegretol,
Topamax,
Tranxene,
Trileptal,
Viibryd,
Vimpat,
XCOPRI,
Zarontin,
Zonegran
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?
Posted in
Epilepsy,
Medication IssuesTags:
Actonel,
AEDS,
Boniva,
Calcium,
Carbatrol,
Dilantin,
FDA,
Fosamax,
Mysoline,
Osteomalacia,
Osteopenia,
Osteoporosis,
Phenobarbital,
Tegretol,
Vitamin D
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!
Posted in
Epilepsy,
Medication Issues,
ResearchTags:
benefits,
bone mineral density,
Calcium,
calcium rich foods,
controversy,
DEXA scans,
Dilantin,
Epilepsy,
heart disease,
Mysoline,
Osteopenia,
Osteoporosis,
Phenobital,
risks,
supplements,
Tegretol,
Valproate,
Vitamin D