Understanding Seizure Medications: A Guide by Pro Health Support
For individuals living with epilepsy, finding the right treatment can significantly reduce or even eliminate seizures. Being informed about the medicines available for epilepsy is crucial for preventing recurrences.
Typically, epilepsy treatments can include:
- Anti-epileptics (AEDs)
- Surgical procedures
- Implanting a small electrical device to control seizures
- Specialized dietary plans to lessen seizures
In this article, we will focus on the anti-epileptic drugs you can obtain from your local pharmacies.
Understanding Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)
AEDs are the most prevalent method of managing epilepsy. Approximately seven out of ten individuals with seizures use AEDs to help control their condition.
These drugs function by altering the brain’s chemical balance to prevent seizures, although they do not cure epilepsy outright.
Types of AEDs
Numerous AEDs are available, and the most commonly prescribed include:
- Sodium valproate
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
- Levetiracetam
- Topiramate
The most suitable AED for you will depend on various factors such as your age, the type of seizures you experience, and whether you plan to have children.
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider about the different AEDs available and the one that is best suited for your specific needs.
Administering AEDs for Seizures
AEDs come in multiple forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups and are generally taken daily.
Your physician will usually start you on a low dose, gradually increasing it until your seizures are controlled. If one medication does not work, your doctor may recommend trying another.
It’s crucial to follow the prescribed guidelines on when and how much medication to take. Do not stop taking an AED abruptly as it may lead to a seizure.
If you have been seizure-free for several years, discuss with your doctor the possibility of discontinuing your medication. If deemed safe, your dosage will be tapered off gradually.
Do not combine other medications, whether over-the-counter or complementary, with your AEDs without consulting your healthcare provider, as they can affect the efficacy of the seizure medication.
AED Side Effects
Experiencing side effects is common when you start using AEDs. Some effects may appear right away and fade within days or weeks, while others may not show up for several weeks.
The specific medication you are taking will influence the type of side effects you might encounter. Common AED side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Lack of energy
- Agitation
- Headaches
- Uncontrollable shaking (tremor)
- Hair loss or unwanted hair growth
- Swollen gums
- Rashes
List of Seizure Medications
Below is a list of seizure medicines that can help you manage epileptic episodes:
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Spritam)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Topiramate (Topamax)