The
main way that doctors treat us for our epileptic seizures is with medication. For the 60 million people worldwide with
epilepsy, this is a big deal. Since only
30% achieve complete seizure-freedom, the rest of us are still looking for the
magic formula that will get us to zero.
The
purpose of medications is to help us get well.
Medications work in a number of
ways, either exciting brain cells or inhibiting (slowing) them. However, epilepsy is one of the most difficult disorders to conquer since no two cases are exactly alike. Also, they are processed through the bloodstream in the body. Therefore, there are always side effects that go along with any medication. Imagine then, if you are taking two or three, or even more meds, the side effects would multiply until you are unable to function. Where is the balance between seizure control and quality of life?
ways, either exciting brain cells or inhibiting (slowing) them. However, epilepsy is one of the most difficult disorders to conquer since no two cases are exactly alike. Also, they are processed through the bloodstream in the body. Therefore, there are always side effects that go along with any medication. Imagine then, if you are taking two or three, or even more meds, the side effects would multiply until you are unable to function. Where is the balance between seizure control and quality of life?
Or
maybe the question should be what is the one
correct treatment for you so you don’t have to worry about this balancing
act?
In
her blog EpilepsyTalk, Phylis Feiner Johnson posted an entry that lists the side effects of the most common medications used to treat epilepsy
today. It may help you the next time you
visit your doctor.
Do
any of you have experiences you’d like to share when it comes to medications
and side effects?
[Disclaimer: this is not intended as medical advice.]
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