How to Research Drugs for Seizures

Anti-seizure drugs must be tailored to the needs of each individual patient. There is no simple drug solution for epilepsy, which causes most types of chronic seizures. The goal of drug therapy is to control seizures with minimal side effects.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand that anti-seizure treatment is usually started with a single drug.
2. Expect that that single drug dosage will be increased in both amount and frequency, depending on possible side effects.
3. Be prepared to have blood drawn that will measure the available levels of anti-seizure medicine circulating in your system.
4. Know that it may be necessary to change drugs if the first drug does not control seizures.
5. Understand that phenytoin is one of the drugs of choice to treat generalized or partial seizures. Side effects include drowsiness, difficulty walking, visual problems and hirsutism (excessive hair growth).
6. Consider that carbamazine is often used to treat generalized and partial seizures. Side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea and vomiting.
7. Expect your doctor to try valproate for generalized or partial seizures. Side effects include nausea and vomiting, weight gain and hair loss.
8. Anticipate that your doctor might prescribe phenobarbital. Side effects include irritability, double vision and unsteadiness.
9. Be treated with diazepam for severe, unrelenting seizure activity.
10. Do intensive research of available anti-convulsant medications by searching the Web.

Tips & Warnings

• Anti-seizure drugs need to be taken daily to maintain therapeutic levels.
• Never stop taking your anti-seizure medicine abruptly. Sudden withdrawal may cause seizures.
• Carry a personal ID card that tells the name of the anti-seizure medication you are taking.