Epilepsy Meds INCREASE Deadly Disease Risk?!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 17, 2021
Folks with epilepsy have it hard enough already.
Not only do you have to worry about the chance of a seizure, but you also struggle with the psychological toll of the disease… which can be substantial.
And then there are the social consequences – not being able to drive, having trouble finding a job – as well as cognitive changes that occur with severe seizures.
It would be nice if the mainstream treatments didn’t cause them additional problems… but unfortunately this type does.
Researchers have discovered that epilepsy medication can increase your risk of this serious disease by 21 percent.
A new study, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, found that people taking antiseizure medications were 21 percent more likely to develop heart disease.
The drugs in question are called enzyme-inducing anti-seizure medications. These include:
- carbamazepine (Tegretol),
- eslicarbazepine (Aptiom),
- oxcarbazepine (Trileptal),
- phenytoin (Dilantin),
- primidone (Mysoline),
- rufinamide (Banzel),
- and topiramate (Topamax).
The drugs don’t seem to cause problems in the first few years of use, but those people taking them for more than 8 to 10 years had an elevated risk.
AND, it got much worse for people who took more than one prescription (which is very common).
The researchers made it clear that for some folks the risk is smaller, depending on the dose.
But if you want to know your options, there are some natural therapies you can do to help.
- Cannabis. Both cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) have been shown to be helpful in people with seizures. CBD, in particular, has been approved by the FDA for treatment of epilepsy in children. CBD is legal in most states, but THC is still illegal in many. You can find out about your state in particular here.
- Reduce main triggers. The usual suspects such as lack of sleep, stress, and anxiety are all easy to tell someone to reduce, but it can be hard to put into use practically. I always tell people to focus on getting good sleep and the rest should (mostly) fall into place.
- Be mindful of other triggers. Alcohol and drugs are common triggers for epileptic seizures. So is overstimulation from sensory overload, which can be caused by flashing lights, noises, television, and other electronics. Reduce as many of these as you can.
- Ketogenic diet. This diet severely limits carbohydrates, which has shown to be helpful for many people. It’s at least worth a month-long trial for anyone with epilepsy.
- Vitamins. The most important vitamins are the B vitamins (I specifically suggest a B complex), magnesium, and vitamin D.
Make sure you talk with your doctor before stopping any prescription seizure medication. Stopping any medication suddenly can cause side effects, including seizures.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mistakes that Make Seasonal Allergies WORSE
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you know how miserable they can make you feel. Common irritants, such as mold spores, dust mites, pet dander, air pollution, and strong odors, can make your symptoms go from bad to worse. You can avoid some of these triggers, and you have no control over others. Either way,...
The Hidden Dangers of Fried Foods
It’s no wonder French fries are so popular. They’re crispy, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. As a matter of fact, as I wrote the words “crispy” and “salty” just now, my mouth watered. I’m only human, after all. But brace yourself—because what I’m about to share will make you think twice before diving into your next serving...
Losing Your Locks? The SURPRISING Solution
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Losing your hair sucks. The hit to your self-esteem is no joke. You might even find yourself avoiding mirrors and hoarding hats. The treatment options are limited, often come with a laundry list of side effects, and deliver results that are about as predictable as a coin flip. It’s...
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...