Talking With Your Doctor
Since people with epilepsy tend to stay on the same medicine for a long period of time, it's especially important to discuss your long-term plans with your doctor. It's never too soon to consider how your seizure disorder and the medication you take to manage it might impact each stage of your life.
Your first step to help you more easily talk to your doctor could be completing the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Your answers may help you and your doctor develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
Communication about your seizure disorder is important
Consider yourself a partner with your doctor in your own health care. The more you know about seizure disorders, the better you can help take care of yourself and talk to your doctor.
When you speak with your doctor or other healthcare professionals, be prepared with the following information:- The names of any and all medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, prescription medicines, vitamins, supplements, and/or herbal remedies.
- Your answers to the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. The questionnaire asks questions about problems people with a seizure disorder may potentially experience. Some of these may be symptoms of epilepsy itself, while others may be related to the medication you take for your seizures, and still others may be unrelated.
- Keep track of your seizures using the Events Calendar provided on this site. Bring it to medical appointments or refer to it when on the phone so your doctor will have a clear understanding of exactly what you are experiencing. This may help your doctor plan the right treatment for you.
- If you're a woman who's pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about enrolling in a Pregnancy Registry.
Ask questions about your seizure treatment
It's important to ask questions of your doctor or other healthcare professional at your medical appointment. And feel free to pick up the phone if you have a question that needs an immediate answer. Do not stop taking your antiseizure medicine unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:
General:- What treatment options are available for my seizure type(s)?
- Is it helpful to take vitamins, or follow a special diet?
- What should I do in the event of an emergency?
- Is it important to get a certain amount of sleep?
- Will I be able to drive?
- Are there any non-prescription medicines or supplements I should avoid?
- What can I expect from my antiseizure medicine now and in the future?
- Does my antiseizure medicine make other prescription medicines less effective?
- Will other non-prescription or prescription medicines affect my antiseizure medicine?
- What are the side effects of my antiseizure medicine? Are alternative treatment options available?
- Are there certain side effects that require immediate medical attention?
- What if I miss a dose of my medicine?
- How long will I have to take my antiseizure medicine?
- Does my antiseizure medicine need to be stored a certain way?
- What if I'm pregnant, or planning to become pregnant?
- I'm taking (or considering taking) oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Will the pill affect my antiseizure medicine's ability to control my seizures? Will my antiseizure medicine affect birth control pills, making them less effective?
When to talk with the doctor about a change in antiseizure medicine
Below is a list of potential health issues that people with epilepsy may experience. Some of these problems may be a result of epilepsy itself, others may be related to antiseizure medicine, and still others may be unrelated. Talk to your doctor if you are being treated for a seizure disorder and are bothered by any of the following problems:
Physical appearance:- weight change (gain or loss)
- hair loss/thinning
- excessive hair growth
- skin problems (such as acne or rash)
- trouble with mouth or gums
- difficulty concentrating
- difficulty communicating
- memory problems
- confusion
- overly active
- anger
- nervousness and/or agitation
- sadness
- unsteadiness
- shaky hands
- dizziness
- upset stomach
- tiredness
- double or blurred vision
- headache
- sleepiness
- difficulty falling asleep
- tingling in hands or feet
- thinning bones
- sexual problems