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
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.
