Epilepsy Drug Treatment
Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by seizures that occur when electrical impulses within the brain are disrupted. Unprovoked seizures, meaning seizures that do not stem from a temporary cause such as fevers or medications, must occur more than once before epilepsy is diagnosed. Long-term treatment is aimed at preventing future seizures. It can take some time to find the most effective dosage and combination of medications.
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Phenytoin
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Phenytoin, known by the brand name Dilantin, is one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants, especially for treatment of partial and grand mal seizures. Common side effects include nausea, rash, slurred speech, confusion, insomnia, headache and gum disease. Possible serious side effects are thoughts of suicide, anemia and psychosis. Alcohol can increase the risk of reactions and reduce the effectiveness of this medication. Do not take antacids at the same time as they make it harder to absorb the medicine.
Phenobarbital
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Phenobarbital is a barbiturate sedative that can be used to treat partial and generalized seizures because it slows the activity of the brain. It can also be used to treat epilepsy in newborns. This medication may be addictive and will cause drowsiness. It can also cause blackouts and memory lapses where a patient may perform various actions such as talking on the phone or driving and have no recollection of it later. Avoid cold medications or any other drugs that cause drowsiness while taking phenobarbital.
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Ethosuximid
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Ethosuximide, or Zarontin, is used to treat absence seizures. This drug can cause serious blood disorders and a complete blood count will likely be ordered on a regular basis to monitor levels. It can also cause an autoimmune disease called lupus. Less serious side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, hiccups, drowsiness, irritability and insomnia.
Topiramate
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Topiramate (Topamax), is a second-generation anticonvulsant commonly used with other anticonvulsants to treat partial and tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children ages 2 to 16. It may cause speech problems, impaired memory, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and loss of appetite. Serious reactions include kidney stones, thoughts of suicide, pancreatitis, anemia and pulmonary embolism. Avoid high protein diets while taking topiramate, as they can increase the risk of kidney stones. This medication can also be used to prevent migraines.
Gabapentin
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Gabapentin (Neurontonin) is used to treat epilepsy in adults and children older than 12 years old. It can also be used to treat partial seizures in younger children over age three. Common side effects in adults include lack of coordination, weakness, stomach discomfort, dry mouth, runny nose and sleep problems. In children, it may cause aggression and hostility, memory problems and difficulty concentrating. Thoughts of suicide, withdrawal and kidney failure are possible serious reactions.
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