Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Levetiracetam, sold under the brand name Keppra among others, is a novel antiepileptic drug [7] used to treat epilepsy. [8] It is used for partial-onset, myoclonic, or tonic–clonic seizures, [7] and is taken either by mouth as an immediate or extended release formulation or by injection into a vein.
Both newer and older drugs are generally equally effective in new onset epilepsy. [42] The newer drugs tend to have fewer side effects. [42] For newly diagnosed partial or mixed seizures, there is evidence for using gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine or topiramate as monotherapy. [42]
Phenytoin (PHT), sold under the brand name Dilantin among others, [1] is an anti-seizure medication. [3] It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures) and focal seizures, but not absence seizures. [3]
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, double vision and trouble with walking. [3] Serious side effects may include anaphylaxis, liver problems, pancreatitis, suicide ideation, and an abnormal heart beat. [3] [6] While use during pregnancy may harm the baby, use may be less risky than having a seizure.
Alcohol may cause increased sedation or drowsiness, and increase the risk of having a seizure. As topiramate may result in acidosis other treatments that also do so may worsen this effect. [56] Oligohidrosis and hyperthermia were reported in post-marketing reports about topiramate; antimuscarinic drugs (like trospium) can aggravate these disorders.
Tiagabine may induce seizures in those without epilepsy, particularly if they are taking another drug which lowers the seizure threshold. [5] There may be an increased risk of psychosis with tiagabine treatment, although data is mixed and inconclusive. [2] [10] Tiagabine can also reportedly interfere with visual color perception. [2]
Seizures [75] similar to delirium tremens (with long-term use of excessive doses) Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam can be very effective in controlling status epilepticus, but, when used for longer periods of time, some potentially serious side-effects may develop, such as interference with cognitive functions and behavior. [76]
Midazolam is sometimes used for the acute management of prolonged seizures.Long-term use for the management of epilepsy is not recommended due to the significant risk of tolerance (which renders midazolam and other benzodiazepines ineffective) and the significant side effect of sedation. [21]