Seizure Disorder
How is it treated?
Seizures
Currently, seizures are treated with anticonvulsants, or drugs that prevent seizures. Frequently, doctors start with one anticonvulsant and increase the dose until seizures are controlled. If seizures begin to reappear after they are controlled, the doctor may switch to a different medication. Or, the doctor might recommend that the individual start taking another drug while continuing the first one. These secondary drugs are called alternative anticonvulsants.
The concern with most of these drugs is that they can cause numerous side effects as the dose is increased. (That is, the higher the dose of the drug, the greater the chance for side effects.) Examples of possible side effects include drowsiness, increased seizure activity, and blood disorders.
Individuals may find the side effects intolerable and stop taking the medication without the advice of their doctor; however, this is not recommended. Individuals who suddenly stop taking the medication can suffer increased seizures. If you experience intolerable side effects from your seizure medications, it is best to talk to your physician about your concerns. Your doctor can then work to figure out the best plan for your drug therapy.
Yet another problem is that many of these drugs interact with one another. Many single-therapy drugs can increase or decrease the levels of other single-therapy drugs in the body, which can lead to loss of seizure control. It is important that all of your health care providers, including your physician and pharmacist, are aware of all of the medications you are taking to maintain the maximum effectiveness of the medications.
Status Epilepticus
Status epilepticus is the most serious kind of seizure, and affected individuals should receive medical attention as soon as possible because of the risk of brain damage or death. Doctors use a couple of different drug classes to help patients who suffer from status epilepticus. These drug classes include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Benzodiazepines are used to stop a seizure quickly. The drugs from this class most commonly used to treat status epilepticus include lorazepam, diazepam, clorazepate, and midazolam.
- Hydantoins
- Hydantoins are used to help prevent additional seizures. Drugs in this class include phenytoin and fosphenytoin.
- Barbiturates
- The only commonly used barbiturate is phenobarbital, which is used to prevent the spread of seizure activity.
Drug classes used to treat Seizure Disorder Anticonvulsants
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How is it treated?
