Question
I have been suffering from epilepsy for about seven years. I have visited multiple hospitals without success, and I can only control it with medication. During seizures, I experience convulsions and foaming at the mouth, and the side effects of the medication have left me in poor health. I am asking if there are better treatment methods, and how to handle the impact of medication on the fetus if I am pregnant.
Answer
Pregnancy should be avoided during medication. The commonly used antiepileptic drugs include traditional medications such as carbamazepine and sodium valproate, as well as newer drugs like lamotrigine, topiramate, and oxcarbazepine. These drugs are relatively safer and have fewer side effects compared to older medications like phenytoin and phenobarbital. It is recommended to start with a single drug treatment at a low dose, and if the effect is not satisfactory, consider switching to another medication. When changing medications, it should be done gradually to avoid sudden discontinuation or switching.