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Medication is the most common option for treating epilepsy. About two dozen medications are available now. Each medication works differently from the others, and which medication is prescribed may depend on the type of seizure a person has. Some people require more than one medication.
The links and information on this page will help you learn about medications for epilepsy. This information is intended to supplement information from your doctor and pharmacist. You should follow your doctor's orders for best results since he/she knows your history and is most likely to know which medication and dosage is best to try.
Medication Tips
The following tips may help you to keep your medications organized and achieve the best possible seizure control.
- Take the prescribed dosage.
it is important that you take the prescribe dosage of medication. If you are self-medicating and you have a seizure, the doctor may make an incorrect adjustment to your dosage because he believes that the current dose is not doing its job. If you have been forgetting to take your medication, be honest with your doctor and work with him and your friends and family to find ways to remember.
- Keep your medication in its original bottle, and do not store other medications in bottles with antiepileptic labels.
If your medication is stored in the wrong bottles, it is possible to forget which medication is needed for seizure control. If someone else gives you your medication for any reason, that person will need to know what medication to give. Finally, if you carry medication in public, it should be clearly labeled.
- Be aware of the signs of toxicity.
Antiepileptic toxicity is extremely dangerous and can be life-threatening. If you suspect that your dosage is too high or if you have overdosed, seek immediate medical attention. If you are feeling suicidal and are tempted to overdose using antiepileptics, please seek appropriate help from a therapist or hospital.
- Taking your medication at regular intervals may improve seizure control.
Opinions vary regarding the issue of when to take medication. Some people have found that taking it at regular intervals (e.g. every eight hours for a three times per day dosage) helps to maintain a consistent level of medication in the blood, improving seizure control. Regular dosing may also help you remember to take the medication and ensure optimum effectiveness.
- Do not give your medication to another person or take another person's medication.
Pelple do not always require the same medication or respond to medications in the same way. The prescription of medication is an individual matter. Taking the wrong medication or the wrong dosage of a medication can prevent seizure control and cause unpleasant side effects or reactions with other medications you may be taking. For best seizure control, make sure that your own medication is always available to you.
Links
The following pages provide more information about antiepileptic medications.
General Information
Specific Medications
My work on this site is supported solely by donations and revenue from sales generated by the site. If the information here has been helpful to you, please consider making a donation or purchasing a product from Sarah Jane's.
Sarah J. Blake is a freelance writer who has published many articles online and in print about visual impairment and related issues. She also writes about other health topics, disability issues, and inspirational and devotional topics. To see more of her work, visit her writing portfolio.
Disclaimer
Sarah J. Blake is not a medical professional, and information on this sight should not take the place of face-to-face consultation with medical professionals. The goal of this site is to help people educate themselves about epilepsy and various treatments and alternatives and thus facilitate good communication between patients and doctore.
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