Show What is the best seizure medication?The best seizure medication is one that treats the particular type of seizure a patient is experiencing.
Some seizure medications are considered first-line therapy, while others are approved as "add-ons" when further seizure control is needed. Some seizure medications are potentially dangerous to administer to young children – such as valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene). Sometimes, certain medications work better than others for unusual seizure situations. For example, women who develop an increase in seizure activity around menstruation can benefit from using acetazolamide (Diamox). Also to be considered is whether the patient is, or might become, pregnant during therapy. Some seizure medications, including phenytoin and valproic acid, can harm the developing fetus. Some seizure medications should only be used when other options run out – as they carry significant potential for serious side effects. Seizure medications for headaches and migrainesTwo seizure medications are also used to prevent migraine headaches:
Some studies suggest using these medications can significantly reduce the number of migraine headaches.
Epilepsy is sometimes referred to as a long-term condition, as people often live with it for many years, or for life. Although generally epilepsy cannot be ‘cured’, for most people, seizures can be 'controlled' (stopped) so that epilepsy has little or no impact on their lives. So treatment is often about managing seizures in the long-term. Most people with epilepsy take anti-seizure medication (ASM), previously known as anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs, to stop their seizures from happening. However, there are other treatment options for people whose seizures are not controlled by ASM.
Types of treatment
Treatment is usually only considered after a diagnosis of epilepsy has been made which usually happens after someone has had repeated seizures. A diagnosis should be made by a specialist, preferably with expertise in epilepsy. This is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). In some rare situations treatment might be considered after just a single seizure. This is usually only when a doctor thinks that it is very likely that you will have further seizures. If this is the case they may suggest starting treatment straightaway.
Anti-seizure medication (ASM), previously known as anti-epileptic drugs or AEDs, is the main type of treatment for most people with epilepsy, that aims to stop seizures from happening. Read more
The ketogenic diet is one treatment option for children or adults with epilepsy whose seizures are not controlled with AEDs. The diet may help to reduce the number or severity of seizures and may have other positive effects. Find out more
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy is a treatment for epilepsy that involves a stimulator (or 'pulse generator') which is connected, inside the body, to the left vagus nerve in the neck. The stimulator sends regular, mild electrical stimulations through this nerve to help calm down the irregular electrical brain activity that leads to seizures. Find out more
Brain surgery or neurosurgery is one way of treating epilepsy. Certain criteria have to be met and tests have to be done to assess suitability. Find out more
With talk in the media about the use of cannabis products to treat epilepsy, generating interest and confusion, we outline the different forms of cannabis, their legality and their safety. Find out more
Your rights and choices
Our document, Care and treatment: your rights and choices explains your rights and the services that you can expect as someone with epilepsy.
Pharmacists play a key role in helping to manage healthcare for people in the community. They are qualified to help you to use medicines safely, to help your medicines work as effectively as possible for you and to provide other services to help you stay well. Find out more
Medical appointments can be very important, but time is often limited, so it is useful to prepare beforehand. Here are some suggestions to help make the most of your appointment or review. Find out more
Managing your treatment is an important part of managing your epilepsy, and seeing whether your medication is working. This might include having a care plan, including a treatment plan. Find out more
The decision whether to start taking anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) can be difficult, and there is a lot to think about. Here we look at the benefits and risks of taking, or not taking, AEDs. Find out more
If someone has not had a seizure for two or more years then they may think about withdrawing (coming off) their ASM. Find out more |
What is the most common treatment for seizures?
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