Treatments and Medications for Absence Seizure - There are varied medications to treat absence seizure. Some cure absence seizure completely while others reduce their occurrence. Most drugs have cognitive side effects and are normally sedative.
Treatments and Medications for Absence Seizure
New York (USA), June 16, 2013
Treatments and Medications
There are varied medications to treat absence seizure. Some cure absence seizure completely while others reduce their occurrence. However, it involves time to conclude at the right medication and dosage. Often, this is a very challenging period as doctor keeps changing medications or their dosages to arrive at the right combination. You normally start with the minimum dose as advised by doctor and progressively increase. You can gauge its effectiveness over a period. Medications are same for children and adults alike, although dosages differ according to severity of symptoms. Most drugs have cognitive side effects and are normally sedative.
Common medications for absence seizure include Ethosuximide (Zarontin), Valproic acid (Depakene, Stavzor) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Ethosuximide is the most effective and FDA approved medication for absence seizure.
Valproic acid prescribed for absence seizure is an anticonvulsant medication. This is FDA approved. This drug treats many medical conditions like grand mal seizures, partial seizures, and myoclonic episodes. Pregnant women or those trying to conceive should avoid Valproic acid to treat absence seizure. This drug leads to serious birth defects. However, if you suffer from serious episodes of absence seizure, consult your doctor for appropriate advice on medication that is safe during pregnancy.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) could sometimes lead to aseptic meningitis. This is similar to bacterial meningitis. This causes inflammation of protective membranes covering brain.
Other medications include Acetazolamide, Clonazepam, Topiramate (FDA approved), and Levetiracetam (FDA approved). If you or your child suffers from absence seizures, you could also encounter generalized seizures. Antiepileptic drugs are not effective in treating absence seizures.
The normal duration for absence seizure medication is a minimum of two years. You should adhere to a regular medication routine. This ensures proper drug levels in blood essential to combat seizures. After two years, discontinue medication according to medical advice. Doctors continue to observe your condition. If you stay free of seizures for two years, you can discontinue medications. Go for regular check-ups as per schedule. However, if an episode occurs any time later, consult your doctor immediately.
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