Epilepsy Talk

Death, Depression and AEDs

March 3, 2020
23 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?

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

How Are Your Meds Affecting You?

March 14, 2019
39 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 others.

Some might sound painfully familiar…

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues
Tags: antiepilepsy drug side effects, Ativan, Banzel, Briviact, Carbatrol, depakote, Diamox, Diastat Acudial, Dilantin, Felbatol, Frisium, Gabitril, Hp Acthar Gel, Keppra, Klonopin, Lamictal, Lyrica, Mysoline, Neurontin, Onfi, Peganone, Perampanel, Phenobarbital, Phenytek, Potiga, Rufinamide, Sabril, Tegretol, Topamax, Tranxene, Trileptal, Viibryd, Vimpat, Zarontin, Zonegran

Epilepsy Drug Side-Effects

September 23, 2018
98 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 the possible side-effects.

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

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: antiepilepsy drug side effects, Ativan, Banzel, Carbatrol, depakote, Diamox, Diastat Acudial, Dilantin, Felbatol, Frisium, Gabitril, Hp Acthar Gel, Keppra, Klonopin, Lamictal, Lyrica, Mysoline, Neurontin, Onfi, Peganone, Perampanel, Phenobarbital, Phenytek, Rufinamide, Sabril, Tegretol, Topamax, Tranxene, Trileptal, Viibryd, Vimpat, Zarontin, Zonegran

Anti-Epilepsy Drugs and Osteoporosis – It’s Not Just a Women’s Disease

May 6, 2018
48 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?

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research
Tags: Actonel, AEDS, Boniva, Calcium, Carbatrol, Dilantin, FDA, Fosamax, Mysoline, Osteomalacia, Osteopenia, Osteoporosis, Phenobarbital, Tegretol, Vitamin D

Calcium — Friend or Foe?

June 16, 2013
45 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 antiepilepsy drugs — especially Dilantin. Even if your doc “forgot” to tell you!

Speaking of which, a survey found that fewer than one-third of neurologists routinely evaluated AED patients for bone disease. And fewer than 10% prescribed Calcium and Vitamin D.

Posted in Epilepsy, Medication Issues, Research, Tips
Tags: 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

Most Recent Posts

Top posts

About the author

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.

View Full Profile →

Follow Epilepsy Talk via Email

Follow Epilepsy Talk on WordPress.com