[GiniLeaE]

I can imagine being on a drug on the advice of a doctor and having the side effects do more harm than good...it happened to me. It wasn't the same as in Stevie's case, but for migraines.

My neurologist prescribed a tri-cyclic antidepressant at a low dose to prevent migraines (Pamelor is the brand name) but he didn't advise that I would gain over 60 pounds and have serious neurologic side effects. Last summer I finally decided I was tired of battling the side effects, after I found out about a new alternative. I just started on the anti-seizure (epilepsy) drug Topamax 6 months ago that was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of migraines (it also helps you lose weight!). Since then I've lost 50 pounds. It has less side effects, but this time I am more informed. Only because I am a biologist who researched the drug, and because my pharmacist cousin told me of alternatives did I have a clue.

In Stevie's case, I assume she trusted everyone around her...especially her doctors, as did I. In this day in time, you have to be your own advocate in your treatment. Back in those days, that wasn't as much of an option.