Patients, Doctors Disconnect on Drug Talks

Almost all U.S. doctors say they discuss drug side effects with patients, but fewer than half of epilepsy patients say these discussions occur, a survey found.

The survey, conducted by Richard Day Research for Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, indicated 98 percent of physicians report discussing medication-related side effects with patients, but 47 percent of epilepsy patients report such discussions take place.

More than one-quarter of epilepsy patients report they sometimes feel reluctant to bring up side effects during office visits, the survey found.

However, while healthcare professionals estimate 43 percent of patients experience medication-related side effects, the survey indicated 75 percent of patients had side effects and 57 percent said the side effects affect work or school. Fatigue, poor memory, weight gain or weight loss and loss of concentration were most side effects reported.

These findings suggest treatment expectations among epilepsy patients are simply too low. According to the survey, 61 percent of people with epilepsy believe that side effects are just something they have to live with, Eric Hargis of the Epilepsy Foundation said in a statement. People with epilepsy should be proactive in discussing their treatment plans, opening up about the side effects and how these side effects are affecting their lives.