Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain. It is characterized by recurrent seizures, which are brief episodes of involuntary movement that may involve a part of the body or the entire body and are sometimes accompanied by loss of consciousness. Seizure episodes are a result of excessive electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Seizures can vary from the briefest lapses of attention or muscle jerks to severe and prolonged convulsions. Epilepsy has numerous causes, including hereditary factors and brain injury, etc.
Antiepileptic drugs are medicines for seizure control. Regular medication can suppress epileptic seizures so that the patient can lead a normal life. Different types of epilepsy require different antiepileptic drugs. The doctor will prescribe the appropriate drugs according to the patient’s condition. Some patients may be required to take several types of drugs.
Drugs Commonly Used
Choice of antiepileptic drug is individualized, primarily based on the specific type of epilepsy experienced by the patient. In addition, specific patient-related (e.g. age, sex, comorbidities, renal or hepatic impairment, and concomitant drugs, etc.) and drug-related (e.g. efficacy, adverse effects, cost and route of administration, etc.) factors are considered. In recent years, many newer drugs (such as gabapentin, levetiracetam and topiramate) have been registered and added to the classical drugs (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproic acid) for epilepsy, and others continue to be developed.
Advice on Medication
Patients usually have to take the prescribed drugs on a long-term basis to reduce relapses and to control the conditions. Ineffective control is a sign that medical attention should be sought immediately.
A small number of people being treated with antiepileptics have had thoughts of harming or killing themselves. If you have any symptoms of depression and/or suicidal ideation, please contact your doctor.
Do not stop taking the drugs or change the dosage without your doctor’s instruction. Make sure that the stock of drugs is sufficient to last until your next medical appointment.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as directed. Do not take double doses.
Some patients may suffer from abdominal pain after medication. Such reaction could be avoided by taking the drugs after meals.
The side effects you may get depend on the drugs you are taking. Common side effects of antiepileptic drugs include: drowsiness, a lack of energy, headaches, etc.
Storage of the Drugs
The drugs should be stored in a dry and cool place. They do not need to be refrigerated unless otherwise stated on the labels. Oral drugs should be stored properly to avoid accidents of mistaken consumption by children.
Drug Office
Department of Health
Oct 2023
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