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I suffer from epilepsy and want to take birth control pills. Can I take any brand with my meds (Tegretol and Frizium)?

April 26, 2017birth control brand epilepsy meds pills Tegretol

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I suffer from epilepsy and want to take birth control pills. Can I take any brand with my meds (Tegretol and Frizium)?

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No, not just any brand will work for you. Some anti-epileptic medications affect the metabolism of the birth control pill. Tegretol (carbamazepine) and Dilantin (phenytoin) both increase the breakdown of the estrogen in the pill. If you are on these medications, you need to take a pill containing a higher dose of estrogen, 50 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol, rather than the standard low-dose or very low-dose pills. Dilantin levels also need to be monitored. Contraceptives that do not contain an estrogen, like Depo-provera or an intrauterine device are also reasonable options if you are not set on a pill.