How to Join a Drug Trial for Epilepsy

Participating in drug trials for the treatment of any disease or condition is extremely important to help determine the usefulness of new medications and to enhance the methods of using current medications. Medical research about epilepsy helps improve treatment methods and the quality of life for patients. Read on to learn more about how to join a drug trail for epilepsy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Understand that participating in a drug trial is a serious commitment of your time. Be sure that you comprehend exactly what is required of you when you agree to join and ensure that it will not interfere with any of your other daily responsibilities at home and at work.
2. Read any waivers you are asked to sign thoroughly before beginning the drug trial. These waivers are used to document that you have legally agreed to join the trial and that the group or organization responsible for the trial is not liable for any negative side effects or health complications you experience. The organization will not be responsible for paying any of your medical expenses should you need to visit a doctor due to your reaction to the medication.
3. Participate in any medical tests and screenings required to take part in the drug trial. Usually these tests are done in advance and provided by the organization running the trial to get a clear picture of your physical health and your family and personal medical histories. This information is also used to analyze the results of the trial based on different factors such as background and age.
4. Visit the U.S. National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials website to view a list of available epilepsy trials looking for participants in your area. See the Resources section below for a link. This site offers a database of clinical trials providing research on medications for a variety of diseases and conditions. You can search for trials based on your ZIP code, city or state, as well as the age group of participants being recruited, and find the contact information for the person or organization running the trial.
5. Read advertisements looking for volunteers to join drug trials in local newspapers and medical journals. Your health care provider may be able to refer you to studies or may know of research that is being conducted within your care facility. Hospitals and medical schools are constantly looking for participants for medical research studies, so it is wise to check any of your local hospitals that specialize in epilepsy.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that you must quality for a drug trial based on certain factors outlined in the study. You are not guaranteed placement in any drug trial.
• Talk to your doctor about your plan to join a drug trial to decide if it is appropriate based on your current treatment plan.