Treatment of Epilepsy

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Drug Treatments

Drugs to treat epilepsy are called anti-epileptics or anti- epileptic medicines. There are a large number of different anti- epileptics available. They are available as tablets, capsules, liquids and suppositories (medication placed in the vagina or anus).

Anti-epileptic drugs may stop seizures happening altogether, stop them occurring so often, or make them less severe. They do not cure epilepsy. They work by controlling the electrical activity of the brain that causes seizures.

Anti-epileptic drugs need to be taken daily at approximately the same time of day each day. Missing a single dose on a rare occasion is unlikely to be dangerous or result in seizures.

Finding the right drug or combination of drugs for your particular type of seizures can take time. You might have to try several types of drugs before you find a combination that works for you. The right drug(s) is dependent on:

type of seizure,
cause of seizure,
other medicines you take (this includes any tablets, inhalers, creams, eye-drops, suppositories and herbal or homoeopathic preparations or vitamin or mineral supplements),
side effects, andÂ· whether you are pregnant or not.

It is important that you keep talking to your GP and pharmacist when trying out different combinations of anti-epileptic drugs.

Usually you will be started on a low dose of the drug. If this dose does not help to control your seizures, the dose will be gradually increased to see if this works better. If the first drug you try does not seem to be helping or has unpleasant side effects, another drug may be added or used instead. You may need to take two or more drugs.

For some anti-epileptic medicines, particularly the older medicines, a blood test may be required to check the amount of medicine in your blood to help your GP in deciding on the best dose.

Some people may have to take medicines for life. Other people may be able to stop their medicines if they have had no seizures for two or more years. However, there is always a chance that the seizures may return. You should always talk to your GP before changing the dosage of anti-epileptics or stopping taking them all together.

You will find a link to a medicine guide for individual epilepsy medicines at the bottom of this treatment section.

Surgery

Surgery for epilepsy is only suitable for a few people. Treating epilepsy with surgery depends on the cause of the epilepsy and the effect it has on your life. Surgery is usually a last resort because it has serious risks.

There are various types of surgery. The most common is removing a small part of the brain tissue that is thought to be causing epilepsy. For many people this is not possible, because the seizures cannot be traced to a specific area of the brain. Surgery to cut the nerve fibres that carry the electrical messages can sometimes prevent generalised epilepsy.

Before making the decision on surgery you will need tests in hospital. These include an EEG, as well as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scans. These scans look at the way the brain works and can help to pinpoint the part of the brain that is causing epilepsy. Memory and psychological tests may also be carried out. After surgery, most people find their seizures stop, or that they have far fewer. Further drug treatment may be needed to completely stop the seizures.

Lifestyle

Stress, excitement and anxiety can trigger seizures in many people with epilepsy. Reducing stress can help control your epilepsy, including some complementary therapies that help you to relax.

Lack of sleep or lots of late nights can trigger epilepsy. Make sure you get enough sleep (7-8 hours a night is recommended for most people), and try to go to bed at the same time each night.

Photosensitivity (sensitivity to strobe lighting and fluorescent lights, and occasionally televisions and computers) can be a trigger. Avoiding these types of light can help to control seizures.

Not skipping meals and making sure your blood sugar levels donâ€™t fall too low may reduce the number of seizures. A special diet called the Ketogenic diet can help some children and adults with certain types of epilepsy. This should only be carried out with the advice of a qualified dietician.

Drinking too much alcohol can make seizures more likely. Alcohol can also interfere with anti-epileptic medicines making them less effective. However, it is usually safe to drink a small amount; ask your GP for advice.

Some women with epilepsy do notice a link between their menstrual cycle (periods) and their tendency to have seizures. Increasing your dose of medication for the time of your period may help.

You may need to see a counsellor if you become anxious or depressed about your condition.

Medicines for Epilepsy
If you are taking one of the medicines listed below for a different condition (i.e. not Epilepsy) or your Epilepsy medicine is not listed above speak to your prescriber, GP or pharmacist or contact NHS Direct 0845 46 47

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