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Introduction To Medications Tips for Taking Anti-Epileptic Medications Fact Sheets on Your Drugs
Introduction to Medications
If you have epilepsy, chances are you are taking at least one type of anti-epileptic drug (AED) to keep your seizures under control. Different types of seizures are treated by different types of drugs. For most people these drugs effectively control seizures, but for some they do not, even when the person is put on several different kinds of anti-epileptic drugs at the same time.
All anti-epileptic drugs have side-effects for some people. It may take a while for the doctor to determine which medication and dosage is best for you. And over time, your drug requirements may change.
People with epilepsy who take medication on a daily basis for an indefinite period of time have many questions and concerns about their drug regimen. Our Drug Fact Sheets on each of the major anti-epileptic medications will inform you about your medication, and our general "Tips for Taking Anti-Epileptic Medications" is a must-read for anyone taking anti-epileptic drugs. Specific concerns about your personal anti-epileptic drug therapy should be addressed by your epilepsy doctor.
WAIVER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as medical advice. Although all material presented at this site has been thoroughly researched and is believed to be correct, Epilepsy Toronto accepts no liability. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
WARNING: People with epilepsy should never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician
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Tips for Taking Anti-Epileptic Medications
- Anti-epileptic medications should be taken at the same time each day. If you miss one dosage, take it as soon as possible. However, if it's time for the next dosage, just ignore the missed dose and continue on your regular schedule. If an entire day is missed, consult your doctor.
- Never take more than the prescribed amount of medication, regardless of seizures. Be sure to have enough medication on hand at all times.
- When storing anti-epileptic medication, store it and all other medicines out of reach of children. Keep the medication in a dry place such as a bedroom. The humidity of the kitchen or bathroom may damage the medication.
- Complete drug level monitoring should be taken every 6 months for most medications.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking anti-epileptic medication. Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of the medication, thereby increasing the risk of seizures. There is also the possibility that alcohol may trigger a seizure. Alcohol can also worsen the side-effects of some medications.
- If it is your child who is taking the medication, do not treat your child with non-prescription medicine containing alcohol, such as cough and cold preparations. Read all labels carefully and talk to the pharmacist or doctor before buying a product.
- Before emergency treatment or any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) is undertaken tell the doctor or the dentist of the medication you are taking. The doctor may want you or your child to wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace stating that she/he is taking anti-epileptic medication.
- It is usually best to take the medication with food or milk.
- Anti-epileptic medications may make you or your child dizzy, drowsy or less alert than normal. If this occurs, your child's teacher should be told that she/he is taking medicine which may cause these effects. If this medicine causes dizziness, caution should be undertaken and the person should sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness.
- Abrupt withdrawal of any anti-epileptic medication may trigger status epilepticus, a potentially fatal condition of continued seizures without recovery. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
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| Introduction To Medications Tips for Taking Anti-Epileptic Medications Fact Sheets on Your Drugs |
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