Epilepsy drugs 'dull brainpower'

Epilepsy drugs reduce seizures

Nearly half of people with epilepsy have problems learning something new and feel they cannot think quickly enough, a survey has found.

An even higher proportion of respondents said that they regularly feel sleepy and lethargic.

The survey, by the International Bureau for Epilepsy, found 56% of respondents blamed their problems on their medication.

Many said it blighted work, personal relationships and leisure activities.

I have lost confidence in public speaking (I used to teach science), knowing that I will have difficulty finding the words I want to use. Epilepsy patient

Problems such as the inability to recall names and faces, or access memories, were often reported.

Some said slowness of thought prevented them from completing their education, or securing rewarding jobs, and from fulfilling basic tasks such as remembering a shopping list, or a friend's telephone number.

The results, based on a poll of 425 people with epilepsy in five European countries, appear to confirm long-standing concerns that epilepsy drugs do have a negative impact on brainpower.

Study findings 44% found it moderately or very difficult to learn something new 45% felt they were moderately or very slow thinkers 59% reported they often felt moderately or very sleepy or tired 48% felt moderately or very lethargic or sluggish 63% felt that the effects they had experienced had prevented them doing a particular activity or achieving a goal

Hilary Mounfield, chair of the European Committee of the International Bureau for Epilepsy, said: "We hear of far too many people whose lives are blighted not only by their epilepsy, but also by the drugs they are prescribed to treat it.

"People with epilepsy - and their physicians - need to be more aware that finding it hard to concentrate, and feeling sleepy and sluggish have a major impact on people's lives, so it is important that their condition is being managed optimally."

Asked which side-effects they most wished to avoid, 38% of respondents said they wished to be free from feeling sleepy or tired as a result of their medicine, 16% wanted to get rid of memory problems and 13% wanted to be free of lethargy/ sluggishness.

One in 12 wanted to be free of the weight and appetite problems that they linked to their treatment.

A spokesperson for the charity Epilepsy Action told BBC News Online: "This survey confirms that side effects have a huge impact on the lives of people with epilepsy.

"However, it is important for people with epilepsy to achieve the best possible seizure control.

"We would urge anyone who is experiencing severe side effects to discuss these with their doctor, and, if necessary, seek a referral to a specialist, to see if any improvements can be made.

"People with epilepsy should never stop taking their anti-epileptic medication without medical supervision."

Poor advice

Earlier this year a survey found people with epilepsy are not being given proper advice to help them manage their condition.

The poll of 197 patients found half have never discussed the possible side effects of medication with doctors.

Two out of three said they were never told they may not be able to drive because of their condition.

Anti-epilepsy drugs (AEDs) are the main treatment for epilepsy. They are designed to restore the chemical imbalance in brain cells that results in excessive electrical activity and leads to seizures.

The aim is to stop seizures completely while minimising side effects. But in many cases this is not possible, and a reduction in seizure frequency and severity becomes the aim.