Anti Epileptic Medication

The number of medicines licensed for the treatment of epilepsy has greatly increased in the last twenty years. This does not mean that all patients diagnosed with epilepsy can expect to gain complete control over their seizures with the regular use of prescribed medication. Even the most optimistic prescribers suggest that a success level approaching 70% is the best that can be expected and then after only after various medications and dosages have been tried. These anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are not used to stop seizures whilst they are in progress and they do not cure epilepsy. It is important that a degree of patience is observed during the search for the best level and type of medication to control their seizures because as with most medicines the beneficial effects are come at the cost of unwanted side effects. In fact the development of new medicines is linked as much to limiting side effects as providing greater seizure control.

Different drugs work in different ways, but those for epilepsy  all aim to stop seizures happening. Before starting them, it is important that your neurologist finds out as much as possible about your epilepsy. This is because the medication that they prescribe depends on making sure you have epilepsy and finding the type(s) of seizures you have. The medication will need to be taken regularly and probably  over a number of years. Your neurologist will take into account any other medical conditions you may have and the medication for those to make sure there is no contra-indication. .

.Before starting them, it is important that your neurologist finds out as much as possible about your epilepsy. This is because the medication that they prescribe depends on making sure you have epilepsy and finding the type(s) of seizures you have. The medication will need to be taken regularly and often over a number of years. Your neurologist will take into account any other medical conditions you may have and the medication for those to make sure there is no contra-indication.

.Most neurologists agree that people with newly diagnosed epilepsy should be treated with one drug at a time - which is called monotherapy. Usually AEDs are started at a low dose that will slowly be increased, if needed, until the most effective dose for you is found. If your medication needs to be changed, it should be done very gradually.

 Drugs are divided into first line drugs, of which there are currently six , and second line drugs. If a first line drug does not stop seizures from happening a different first line drug may be tried or  a second line drug may be prescribed alongside the first line drug which is called polytherapy.  If you still have seizures after trying two different AEDs, then your neurologist may look at your diagnosis again before suggesting any further AEDs for you to try or suggesting other forms of treatment

People with epilepsy are being urged not to leave it to the last minute to get their prescriptions for anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) dispensed. The National Society for Epilepsy inform  that tecent press reports have highlighted shortages in supply of some drugs to UK patients which, it is claimed, are being sold overseas for higher prices.They (NSE) are urging patients to present their prescription to their pharmacist well before they run out of their medication.NSE’s chief pharmacist Janet Clark said:  “There have been problems with the supply of some AEDs for a little while.  Pharmacists are aware that there are alternative ways of obtaining the drugs to ensure continuity of supply but this can take an extra day or so.  I would urge patients not to leave getting their prescriptions to the last minute.The medicines and healthcare regulator, the MHRA, has issued guidance aiming to reduce future problems with the export of medicines for profit. 

Information on particular medicines for epilepsy can be found at Medline http://www.medguides.medicines.org.uk/results.aspx?q=epilepsy

This introduction is in line with the recommendations of the National Society for Epilepsy and further information can be found at the Epilepsy Website page.