**Understanding Seizure Medications: A Guide by Bridge Health**
For those living with epilepsy, the right treatment can drastically reduce or completely eliminate seizures. Being informed about the available medications is essential for managing the condition effectively.
Typically, treatments for epilepsy may include:
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)
- Surgical interventions
- Implantation of small electrical devices to control seizures
- Specialized diets to minimize seizures
This article will focus on anti-epileptic medications that can be obtained from your local pharmacy.
Understanding Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)
AEDs are the most common method for managing epilepsy. About seven out of ten individuals with seizures use AEDs to manage their condition.
These drugs work by modifying the brain’s chemical balance to prevent seizures, although they do not cure epilepsy.
Types of AEDs
There is a variety of AEDs available. Some of the most commonly prescribed include:
- Sodium valproate
- Carbamazepine
- Lamotrigine
- Levetiracetam
- Topiramate
The most suitable AED for you will depend on several factors, including your age, the type of seizures you have, and whether you intend to have children.
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider about the various AEDs available and which one is best suited for your needs.
Administering AEDs for Seizures
AEDs are available in several forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups, and are usually taken daily.
Your physician will typically start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until your seizures are under control. If one medication doesn’t work, your doctor may suggest trying another.
It’s essential 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 whether it is safe to discontinue your medication. If it is possible, your dosage will be tapered off gradually.
Avoid combining other medications, whether over-the-counter or complementary, with your AEDs without consulting your healthcare provider, as they can influence the effectiveness of the seizure medication.
AED Side Effects
Experiencing side effects is common when starting AEDs. Some effects may appear immediately and fade within days or weeks, while others may not appear for several weeks.
The specific medication you are taking will affect the type of side effects you might experience. 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
Here is a list of seizure medications that can help manage epileptic episodes:
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Spritam)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Topiramate (Topamax)