I'm a high school teacher in Australia so short term memory loss is not an option for me!
Jess,
Do not be afraid!
It is only important to be aware of the side effects that actually do affect you.
I've taken Dilantin for 40+ years and have some but not all of the side effects. My memory is affected, both short and long term, but I've found a way to cope. The important thing for me to understand is that what is happening is indeed an effect of the Dilantin as well as a result of how my epileptic brain processes information. I found this article very helpful
Types of Memory Problems. For me, knowing that this is how my brain works has allowed me to accept it and get on with life. I had thought for years that I was stupid and just fooling those people who said I was smart. How could I be smart if I can't remember a damn thing? Then the internet came along and I started searching about epilepsy and memory problems. Found one study that linked them together but most people didn't take me seriously when I mentioned it so I didn't have confidence in the study. Then I read the article on Types of Memory Loss - it describes what can happen in an epileptic brain. I had proof. And now I realize how many stressful situations were the direct result of me not understanding how my brain works. Now that I understand these details I know how to cope when a situation arises.
However - that is all about me. You may not be affected in this way at all. I have 2 friends with epilepsy - one has memory problems but the other does not.
Do not stress about "what might happen" since stress is just a bad thing in general.
If you have problems You Will Cope!
I say that with assurance because I have coped. I have a job that I enjoy and a passion that I love.
Above all else, Be Not Afraid!
CWE is a wonderful place with wonderful people and links to all sorts of information.
So when you are afraid, come here and hang out for awhile.
Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future ~ Horace