What is the best medication for epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects approximately 65 million people worldwide. It causes recurrent seizures and can lead to other medical complications. While there are various treatment options available, including surgical interventions and dietary changes, medication is considered the primary mode of therapy. The challenge comes in determining which medicine works best on different types of epilepsy while minimizing side effects.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common medications prescribed for treating epilepsy, how they work, their potential benefits and drawbacks.

Types of Seizures

Before delving into specific medicines used to address epilepsy conditions let’s first have an understanding that not all seizures are created equal. While epileptic fits will commonly contain muscle spasms or jerking movements (Tonic-Clonic Seizures), but others may present absent-mindedness (Absence Seizures) or simple limbs tremors (Myoclonic Seizure). So it stands being said that proper diagnosis by a licensed Neurologist coupled with precise prescription would go a long way in mitigating one’s condition.

First Line Medicines

Brivaracetam

This anti-seizure medication was approved as recently as 2016, making it the newest option among current treatments currently in use. Brivaracetam shares certain characteristics at Keppra; easy-to-swallow pills form factor because everyone knows how much swallowing large pills suck! This drug has been quite effective compared to placebo throughout its clinical trials especially when treating Tonic-Clonic seizure with minimal cases causing dizziness,may occur however with continued pharmacovigilance BS Zybercool pharmaceuticals made sure no patient passes out attempting something dangerous like driving under influence of Brivaracetam!

Lamotrigine

Another first-line treatment option for partial onset seizures caused by focal epilepsies across both young and old age groups. The anticonvulsant efficacy of Lamotrigine is second to none, decreasing the frequency of seizures up-to 70%.A significant added benefit however is that it has an immensely low susceptibility to causing cognitive issues at high doses especially when compared with other newer anticonvulsants on the market. lamotrigine has a small “window” dose; which refers those unpleasant side effects can occur as soon as doses are outside clinically predetermined range-

Sodium Valproate

While many first-line treatment options appear effective to different extents based upon Epilepsy identity(ies), Sodium valporate generally tends in particular, better suited for Absence seizures and myoclonic types while complementing other conventional AEDs. Challenging its use would be its propensity in increasing PCOS prevalence(mostly women), liver failure, alopecia(Since no one loves their hair right?), pancreatitis – besides prompting weight gain by altering metabolism-making patient risk adverse more complex diseases post tractment such as diabetes or cardiac episodes.

Second line/treatment-resistant Medicines

For certain cases of epilepsy where optimal seizure control isn’t achieved despite adhering strictly to lifestyle changes(such as regular sleep patterns or ketogenic diets) your neurologist could opt “Second Line” measures with combination thereof being underway at times.

Clobazam

Clobazam usage may result extended durations before next seizures and minimizing stress levels.To understand how this medicine operates after consumption; think relaxing muscles post-exhaustive gym sessions but only Instead here it tries calming nerves thus limiting abnormal electrical discharges from occurring for certain time accompanied with minimal stimulation Clobazam comes coupled with a less serious dependence potential compared benzodiazepines (more common group alongside).It Bears mentioning mildly stimulatory effects when prescribed long term , disruptive consequences including aggression & irritability which deride its longstanding use.

Felbamate

Some patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy might benefit from Felbamate as it impacts epileptic activity differently from previously mentioned medications. Monitored dosages has been seen to positively impact both Tonic-Clonic and Partial-onset Seizures alike, which are confident up-to 60%.It’s better effectual in conjunction with Valproic medication for women suffering Epilepsy making life easier to manage.Unfortunately this medication comes hand-in-hand with some unpleasant side effects including weight gain & liver problems at high doses if not properly supervised.

Third Line Medicines/ Last resorts

Perampanel

While commonly espoused second line treatments aren’t sufficiently capable of countering frequent epileptic episodes; the fervent trials have lead instances where Perampanel medicament could considerably reduce seizure frequencies upto a staggering 70% margin thus giving the patient considerable relative Independence. Interestingly Perampanel uniquely features a different mechanism of action than other common AEDs on market such that it doesn’t affect Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid receptors rather works on Excitatory neural pathways-regulating electrical impulses by limiting how excited should neurons become while also blocking glutamate signaling offering relief all around while minimizing side-effect risks-albeit coma-like symptoms induced by nonobservance of clinically predetermined dosage.
Electricity can be such an exciting thing until Epilepsy pulls you right out your zone!!

Stiripentol

A molecule discovered ere ever famous Lamotrigine gains praise existed – yet revitalized back into limelight primarily suited aiding drug-Resistant Epilepsies predominantly when characterized by Myoclonus.It acts as inhibitory modulator helping clearing neurotransmitters-such minute failures attributable Improper transmission-blockading release allows brain control excitability,the effectiveness allowed this prescription usage accompany routine maintenance phases when catered at reducing successively dangerous seizures occurrence.This being said,stiripentol’s notorious side effects could occasion dizziness, somnolence and even intestinal infections when observed high concentrations.

Natural Remedies

While modern medicine has worked wonders in reducing symptom intensity accompanying epileptic episodes;alternative natural remedies have been known to offer considerable advantage :

  • Vitamin B6 – The medication pyridoxine (vitamin B6) taken alone can be helpful for treating neonatal seizures caused by rare genetic conditions.So blinding how vitamin Bs cure everything right?

  • Ketogenic Diet – a low-carb, high-fat diet may help reduce the number of seizures that an individual experiencing. According to one study, nearly one-third of individuals on this meal plan experienced a significant reduction in their seizure frequency!if ‘keto’ were an acronym standing for “Keeps Epilepsy Tonic Free Overall” would probably make total sense!

Conclusion

In conclusion,due diligence by certified Neurologists who specialize with Epilepsy incidents generally plays biggest roles ensuring optimal healthcare timing & prescriptions during these lengthy chronic illnesses.Furthermore discussing openly as possible with your specialist regarding any unanticipated symptoms occurring consequential treatment options ensures timely interventions minimizing complications alongside providing other alternative lifestyle-healthcare techniques which would promote healthier living post-Epileptic episode.Either way don’t hesitate seeking or approaching your physician if you notice anything different about you or loved ones repeating occurrences — hoping to disrupt that electrical activity never had any benefits before I’m quite sure it won’t start now.

Until Next Time !

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