I don't think Dr's realize or anyone else who doesn't have seizures,
how those of us who do must basically stop their normal life to go thru
a drug change. My neurologist just says so casually how a new drug
might improve my quality of life.  It is not an easy thing to do and
there is no guarantee the new med will help.  You have to totally
re-arrange your life. For me life changes for 4-8 weeks while going
thru a change.  And when you have others depending on you this is very
difficult. I try not to drive because of break-thru seizures, so no one
to take kids to school. Working is precarious.  You often feel
miserable from the side effects. I have tried Felbamate, Topamax,
Depakote, Tegretol, one I can't even remember. So there were 5-10
months of my life in limbo. I know I am not alone out there.  So I
stick to the old tried and true phenobarb and live with the memory loss
and feeling stupid when I can't join in an intelligent conversation
because I know I have read about what they are talking about, I just
can't remember any facts.  I'm not having many seizures, my gums don't
bleed, my stomach isn't upset, I'm not depressed, I'm not anorexic, my
hair isn't falling out and my head doesn't hurt all the time, all side
effects of the other drugs along with increased seizures. I know it's a
gamble but at 52 I'm not willing to waste any more of my life. Anyone
else care to comment. Thanks, Vicki