After you’re diagnosed with epilepsy, you have several ways to get treatment. Medication, a special diet, an implant that works on your nerves or brain, and surgery could all help you feel better.
Your doctor will likely want you to try this first. It works for about 7 out of 10 people with epilepsy. Epilepsy medications, sometimes called anti-seizure or anticonvulsant medications, change the way your brain cells work and send messages to each other.
The kind of medication your doctor suggests depends on a few things:
- The type of seizures you have
- How likely it is you’ll have more seizures
- Your age
- Your sex
- Other medical conditions you have
- If you want to get pregnant
Drugs that work for one person might not work for another. You might have to try more than one. Most people who take medication for epilepsy find a good fit on the first or second try.
You might have to start with a low dose and slowly add more. It depends which medication you take.
You’ll probably get a blood test before you start your medication. While you’re taking it, the doctor will want you to get blood tests to see how your body handles the treatment.
How often you need them depends on your type of epilepsy medication, other drugs you take, and any health conditions you might have.
Tell your doctor about the other medications or supplements you take, even if you buy them over the counter (without a prescription). Seizure medications can interact with other drugs and make them not work as well.
Side Effects
Some are more severe than others. Ask your doctor about your specific medication side effects. Depending on which medication you take, side effects may include:
