There are currently 20 approved AED (Antiepileptic Drugs) available on the market, aside from their generic forms. To a person with Epilepsy, it may seem like there are a million different drugs in which we are being switched to and from all the time. If one drug doesn't work out, our doctors shuffle us onto the next drug - the journey never ends for some people.
One thing I find quite important to talk about today is getting to know your AED's before taking them. Many patients are so eager to get better that they will accept a new medication just like that, without asking about the long and short term side effects of their medications. However, it is extremely essential to know what side effects your medications can cause.
I hate to say it as well, but countless times doctors have failed to tell me important side effects of AED's, and even lied to me about side effects of AED's. I was told that severe blistering was not common, when it actually was. I complained of unexplained bleeding of the rectum was not a side effect, only to find out (after being in the hospital) that it indeed was a side effect.
One thing I find helpful to do is to take notes at the doctor's office. I ask him "If this medication falls through, what medications are you thinking we would try next?". I write the names of those meds down and research them at home so I know what to expect and what to be concerned about.
Another reason you should research your medication is because AED's can interact with other medications and conditions. If you have chronic liver problems, medications such as Felbatol might not be a good choice. If you have had history of suicidal thoughts, there are several AED's that you will want to avoid. Females who are taking drugs such as Trileptal and Felbatol will find that their birth control might not be effective at all if taken together. So long story short, you want to make sure that there are NO problematic drug interactions.
A great way to learn more about the drugs you are taking is to visit a trusted, professional drug information website. Two of my very favorites are Drugs.com and RxList.com. On each of these sites you can search any drug and find a full list of side effects; and you will probably notice that this list is far larger than any list your doctor or pharmacy will give to you.
For example, take Felbatol: A drug that I was told had "hardly any side effects" and "definitely" didn't cause weight gain. So let's see what kind of side effects Felbatol causes...
As you can see, "weight changes" is definitely a side effect, among many others. This is why it is so important to research AED's before taking them. If there is an unwanted side effect you need to know about it. Weight gain/loss can actually cause more seizures in some people, and for me, this has always been a trigger.
@EpilepsyBlogger
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You share some really great views and I admire your writing. It is of utmost importance to know your medications ahead of time. There can be extremely harmful side effects that doctors do not mention right off the bat. Great article. God bless you and keep doing what you do!
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