seizure medications

seizure medications


Anticonvulsant medications for children and adolescents

There are many medications that treat seizures. However, anticonvulsant medications do not cure seizures, but control them. Some medications only serve to control certain types of seizures. Other medications are used to control various types of seizures.

How to choose the right medicine

The choice of the correct medication depends on several factors, including:

    The type of seizure a child has

    The age of the child

    Other medical problems the child has

    Other medications the child takes

    Side effects of the medication

The safety of anticonvulsant medications

It is important to understand how an anticonvulsant medication is taken correctly. Some medications are taken once a day, while others are taken two or three times a day. In rare cases, anticonvulsant medications can be taken up to four times a day. It is very important to know both the name of the brand and the generic name, the dose and when to take the medication. In addition, it is helpful to be familiar with the possible side effects of the medication and the blood tests needed while using that medication.

Only some of the drugs most commonly used to treat seizures are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in children. Your doctor can tell you the details of your child's specific medication, such as directions for use and your safety profile.
Types of anticonvulsant medications

There are many different types of seizures and some medications work best for certain types of seizures. Some types of common seizures are focal, generalized tonic-clonic and absence. There is also a growing number of new drugs that can be used to treat certain types of seizures.
Tonic-clonic seizures

Common medications used for generalized tonic-clonic seizures are, among others:

    Clobazam

    Lamotrigine

    Levetiracetam

    Rufinamide

    Topiramate

    Valproate

    Zonisamide

Note: Many of these medications are also used to treat focal seizures.
Focal seizures

The common medications used for focal seizures are, among others:

    Carbamazepine

    Oxcarbazepine

    Lacosamide

Seizure crisis

The most classic of the medications used for seizures of absence is ethosuximide, but valproate is also commonly prescribed.
Side effects of anticonvulsant medications

All medications, including over-the-counter medications, have the risk of side effects. Therefore, all anticonvulsant medications have some risk of side effects. Most children have few or no problems with the side effects of anticonvulsant medications. Side effects vary depending on the medication, but may include, but are not limited to:

    Drowsiness

    Rash

    Changes in mood

    Irritability

    Stomach problemsSome less common side effects are difficult to detect and can affect the liver, kidneys or blood cells. To control these side effects, blood tests can be done. Some side effects occur more frequently when higher doses are given and can be avoided if it is possible to reduce the dose of the medication.

When a child shows signs of a possible side effect of an anticonvulsant medication, it is important to consider other possible causes of that side effect. For example, a rash may be due to a viral illness or exposure and may not be related to an anticonvulsant medication. However, because rare cases of severe rashes from anti-seizure medications may occur, it is important to watch closely for a rash and tell your child's primary care physician and epilepsy doctor.
Bone health

Some anticonvulsant medications affect bone strengthening in children. This problem is especially important for children who must take certain anticonvulsant medications for many years. If your child needs anticonvulsant medications for more than a year or two, ask your doctor if it is necessary to control bone health.
Interactions with contraceptive methods

Adolescent patients and young adults with epilepsy should be aware that some anticonvulsant medications may interact with certain contraceptive methods. This can lead to abnormally high or low levels of the anticonvulsant medication, contraceptive ineffectiveness, inadequate control of seizures, or an unforeseen pregnancy.
Anticonvulsant medications during pregnancy

Women who are taking certain anticonvulsant medications when they become pregnant are at a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects. Some medications are safer than others during pregnancy. Pregnancy also changes the way a woman's body metabolizes the anticonvulsant medication, so doctors closely monitor pregnant patients. It is important to talk to your doctor about the options for anti-seizure medications before you get pregnant, if possible.
Long-term anticonvulsant medications

Parents often worry about having to give their child a medication every day to prevent seizures. It is important to know that anticonvulsant medications are generally effective in preventing seizures and, with proper control, are quite safe. A child who has uncontrollable seizures runs several dangers such as injuries from falls, accidents, drowning or even death. See Seizures: Safety advice for parents.
Rescue medicines

If your child has epilepsy, you should also talk to your doctor about rescue medications. Rescue medicinesThey are used when a child has a very prolonged seizure (usually for 5 minutes or more) or has aseries of several seizures in a day. There are several options for rescue medications. These are, among others,medications that are given as a soluble tablet, a rectal gel, or a nasal spray. Some of the medicationsRescue drugs that are usually prescribed are diazepam, clonazepam and midazolam.