While generics can be a huge benefit to the bottom line, some patients need to exercise caution. Patients with epilepsy, or regular seizures, have had problems because they tend to respond more quickly to their meds than those with something like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Five percent of epilepsy patients, or one in 20, can have a negative effect. New side effects can cause problems. But worse yet, a new drug can immediately cause a potentially life-threatening event.

"The main way we know seizure medications work is by not having seizures. With high blood pressure it's very easy to check, the doctor or nurse or you can go into the local stores and they have free BP checks. You can easily call your doctor and get things controlled."

Dr. Michael Frucht is a neurologist and epileptologist with Dean Health. He says the key is to keep a very open line of communication with your doctor and go over all the risks and benefits of generics.

One way you can help researchers learn more about seizures and keeping them under control more easily and that is critical is the upcoming golf outing put on by the epilepsy foundation.

It is this Friday ,June 12Th at University Ridge golf course in Verona. Just head to our web-channel, NBC 15.com, to sign up.