Seizure medicines. Most epileptics can reduce their seizure frequency or cease experiencing seizures altogether with proper treatment. That is why knowing the medicines you need to take in epilepsy is necessary to prevent its recurrence.
Treatments for epilepsy often include:
- Anti-epileptics (AEDs) medicines
- Surgery
- Implant a tiny electrical device inside the body to regulate seizures
- A unique eating plan that helps reduce seizures
However, for this article, we will talk about the anti-epileptic drugs you can take that are available in your nearest pharmacies.
What are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)?
The most popular form of epilepsy treatment is AED. About seven out of ten persons with seizures use AED to control their epilepsy.
AEDs function by altering the chemical composition of your brain. They can prevent seizures from occurring but do not treat epilepsy as is.
Types of AEDs
There are many AEDs available. The most common types include:
- sodium valproate
- carbamazepine
- lamotrigine
- levetiracetam
- topiramate
The ideal type for you will depend on factors like your age, your type of seizures, and if you plan to have children.
Note: Ask your doctor about the various AEDs that are available and which is likely to be the best for you.
Taking AEDs for seizures
AEDs are offered in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, liquids, and syrups. Typically, the medication must be taken daily.
Starting with a low dose, your doctor will progress into higher doses until your seizures stop. Your doctor could advise trying a different medication if the first one you attempt is unsuccessful.
You must follow any recommendations of when and how much AEDs to take. Do not stop taking an AED abruptly because doing so could result in a seizure.
Ask your doctor if you might be able to stop taking your medication if you haven’t experienced a seizure in a few years. Your dose will be reduced gradually over time if they believe it to be safe.
Do not use other medications, including over-the-counter or complementary ones, while taking AEDs without consulting your doctor or a specialist. Other drugs could impact your AED’s effectiveness.
AED side effects
Side effects are frequent when using AEDs as a first line of treatment. Some of them might not show up for a few weeks, while some may arise shortly after therapy begins and disappear in a few days or weeks.
The potential adverse effects are influenced by the medication you’re taking. The following are typical AED adverse effects:
- drowsiness
- a lack of energy
- agitation
- headaches
- uncontrollable shaking (tremor)
- hair loss or unwanted hair growth
- swollen gums
- rashes
List of seizure medicines
Here is a list of seizure medicines that can help you regulate your epileptic attacks:
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Levetiracetam (Keppra, Spritam)
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Zonisamide (Zonegran)
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
- Topiramate (Topamax)