Understanding the causes of seizures, such as diabetes, high fever, abnormal blood levels of sodium, or infection, can provide a sense of relief. However, when seizures occur more than once for causes that cannot be diagnosed, patients are said to have seizure disorders or epilepsy.
Seizure disorders are usually treated with seizure medications. For reasons not fully understood, electrical impulses in the brain become abnormal, causing signs and symptoms such as loss of consciousness, abnormal movements, deja-vu experiences, fear, and apparent flashing lights.
When a seizure disorder is diagnosed, physicians usually prescribe anti-seizure medications. Adhering to a strict medication schedule is crucial to taking control of your health and avoiding further seizures. Even missing just one dose can trigger a seizure. Patients usually remain on these medications for 2 to 4 years, after which the neurologist may consider tapering off if the patient has remained seizure-free during that time.
List of Seizure Medications
Barbiturates
Barbiturates work by slowing down certain areas of the brain. Common barbiturates include:
- Mysoline (primidone) – taken orally at night, starting at 100 mg, and may go as high as 2 grams.
- Solfoton (phenobarbital) – taken by mouth, 30 to 120 mg per day.
Anticonvulsants/Antiepileptic Medications
These medications affect brain cells, preventing abnormal electrical impulses that can cause seizures. Common anticonvulsants include:
- Tegretol, Carbatrol (carbamazepine) – taken by mouth, starting at 200 mg per day.
- Dilantin, Phenytek (phenytoin) – taken by mouth, 100 mg three times a day.
- Topamax (topiramate) – taken orally, 200 mg twice a day.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) – taken by mouth, 100 to 400 mg per day.
- Depakote, Depakene (valproic acid) – 10 to 60 mg/kg/day orally.
- Oxtellar, Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) – 300 to 1200 mg twice daily by mouth.
- Lamictal (lamotrigine) – taken orally, 50 to 600 mg daily.
- Neurontin (gabapentin) – taken by mouth, 300 to 600 mg per day.
Managing Seizure Disorders
When managing a seizure disorder, it is crucial to:
- Adhere to the Medication Schedule: Missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Regular Consultations: Keep regular appointments with your neurologist to monitor the condition and adjust medications as necessary.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Avoiding triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress can help reduce seizure occurrences.
Conclusion
Seizure disorders necessitate meticulous management and adherence to prescribed medications to prevent further episodes. A range of medications is available to address different types of seizures, and your healthcare provider is there to guide you in determining the most suitable treatment plan for your specific condition.
Did you know? QuickMD can treat seizures from the comfort and convenience of your home. Our doctors can prescribe anti-seizure medications like phenytoin online via telemedicine whenever it is safe to do so.
