Tag: Seizure medicine

While many people successfully manage epilepsy with long-term medication, approximately 30-40% of patients experience drug-resistant epilepsy, where they build a tolerance and the drugs lose effectiveness over time. This raises a critical question for many: **can your body get used to seizure medicine**?

Studies show that between 60% and 70% of people with epilepsy become seizure-free with medication, leading many to ask: **Can you ever get off seizure medicine?** [1.2.2]. The answer is often yes, but it's a complex decision requiring careful medical guidance.

Up to 40% of people with epilepsy experience challenges with cognitive functions like memory, attention, and executive function. The misconception that **can seizure medicine cause brain damage?** is a common concern, but the reality is more nuanced; while certain medications can cause cognitive side effects, the risk of irreversible brain damage is extremely low, and the benefits of seizure control often outweigh these temporary issues.

Studies show that gastrointestinal (GI) issues are common side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), with one study of 100 patients finding that 21.2% experienced diarrhea [1.4.5]. So, can seizure medicine cause diarrhea? The answer is yes, for some individuals and with certain medications.

According to studies and case reports, certain seizure medications, such as lamotrigine, can cause a false positive on an initial urine screening test for illicit substances like PCP. Understanding the difference between screening and confirmation tests is critical for anyone concerned if their seizure medicine will show up on a drug test.