Seizure Medication for Children

A doctor may prescribe seizure medication for a child with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. Children take the same seizure medication prescribed to adults, just in smaller dosages. Medications may have to be changed or dosages may have to adjusted to properly treat each individual child.

Significance

The Epilepsy Foundation asserts that approximately 300,000 children in the U.S. suffer from epilepsy.

Types

Anti-seizure medications come in various forms that may be easily given to children. Medication may be given as a syrup, tablet or capsule. Medication may also come in the form of capsules that can be opened and sprinkled onto soft food items such as pudding or applesauce.

Side Effects

Medications for epilepsy may have bothersome side effects such as nausea, fatigue, vision disturbances and weight gain. The side effects may go away as a child's body adjusts to the medications.

Other Treatments

If the medication side effects are quite bothersome, other treatments such as a ketogenic diet or neurosurgery may be considered.

Warning

Anti-seizure medications should be given as prescribed. Medications should not be stopped without the consent of a physician.

References

• Epilepsy Foundation
• John Hopkins Medicine
• Children's Hospital in St. Louis

Resources

• Drug Information Online