Tuesday 26 September 2017

Seizure Medications To Treat Epilepsy

Seizure medications

Most people with a history of epilepsy need medications to control seizures. Although the response to seizure medications may vary from person to person, they successfully control the symptoms of epilepsy in around 70% of patients. However, they will not cure epilepsy.

There are different types of seizures and an accurate diagnosis of a particular type of seizure is very important to choose the best suitable treatment. At the same time, the type of seizure medicine prescribed also depends on certain factors, such as a patient’s medical history, undergoing treatment, drug side effects, etc.

Some of the most common medications currently used to treat epilepsy include:
  • Sodium Valproate
  • Carbamazepine
  • Lamotrigine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Ethosuximide
  • Topiramate
Guidelines
It may take a few months before the seizure medication is determined for you. During the course of therapy, your doctor will be carefully monitoring you to measure your response to the medicine prescribed. This may even include frequent blood tests. This is important to minimise the risk of serious adverse effects and to prevent any complications.

Your doctor will start with a lower dose and gradually increase it until you experience improvement. If a particular medicine does not work for you, your doctor may advise another type of seizure medication. It is important to follow all directions carefully while taking medications for epilepsy.

While undergoing treatment with seizure medication, try to stay away from other medicines, including OTC medicines and supplements. Other medicines could affect the efficacy of epilepsy medication.

Here’s the most important aspect of seizure medications – you should never stop your treatment without speaking to your doctor. In most cases, treatment for epilepsy is for the lifetime. However, if you have not experienced an episode of seizures for a number of years, your doctor might think of reducing the dose or stop the treatment gradually.

If you are taking seizure medications regularly and like to get them privately, sign up with PharmacyOutlet and get them by providing your private prescriptions.