Epilepsy

EPILEPSY

An important part of managing epilepsy is the carefully planned use of drugs designed to control our seizures. Taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor on a daily basis helps most of us to get on with what we want to do - without epilepsy getting in the way too much.

There is a wide choice of effective anti-epilepsy drugs available in the UK today. They act in several ways and usually come in tablet or capsule form, or as a syrup for children. For four out of five of us seizures can be controlled by taking the right dose of the right drug.

Which drug?

Once you've been diagnosed as having epilepsy the doctor will try to find the drug that controls your seizures, at a low dose and with few side effects.

In the past several drugs were often used together. This tended to create more risk of distressing side effects. Today, most doctors prefer to prescribe just one drug - this is known as monotherapy. If this doesn't control your seizures you may need to take another one as well. On the whole, though, doctors try to avoid prescribing more than two drugs.

The doctor will introduce the drug she/he chooses gradually until the best control of your seizures is achieved. During this time you'll have regular check-ups and the doctor may take blood samples to check on the levels of the drug in your blood.

Some trial and error may be involved before the right treatment is found. Once it is, you will need to consult your doctor or hospital from time to time. However, always seek advice from your doctor if any of the following occur:

• You suddenly start experiencing more seizures than usual.

• You can't take your medicine for any reason e.g. stomach upset.

• Other aspects of your health change.

• You are thinking about starting a family or become pregnant.

It is vital to take your medicine correctly, as prescribed by the doctor.  Anti-epileptic drugs work by establishing a constant balance of the drug in your system - missing doses or taking the drugs at irregular times may prevent them having a positive effect on your seizures.

Once your treatment plan has been worked out you'll be referred back to your own doctor. Some areas in the UK have a special Epilepsy Liaison Nurse who acts as a 'go-between' between the specialist and your doctor. She/he can also answer any questions you may have and help explain the effects of epilepsy to employers, teachers and so on.

In the UK, if you have epilepsy and require medication you do not have to pay prescription charges, however, you will need an exemption certificate.  NHS Direct, your GP or pharmacist can advise you further.  

Side effects

All medicines have potential side effects as well as benefits. Balancing the two can be a fine art. Some of us are lucky and don't experience any side effects - especially with some of the newer drugs. Even if you do get them they may be fairly minor, occur at the start of treatment and settle down after a few weeks.

Short-term effects -

The most common effect you may experience is sleepiness. Luckily this often passes as your body adjusts to the drug. Sometimes the drugs may make you feel unsteady and 'woozy'; this is usually a sign that the dose is too high and needs to be altered. Some people are allergic to certain drugs and develop an itchy skin rash or other symptoms. In this case the doctor may take you off the offending drug and try you on something else.

Long-term effects -

More troublesome side effects can occur when certain drugs - usually the older types used to treat epilepsy - are taken for a long time. They may include poor memory and concentration, irritability and overactivity in children, swollen gums, acne and weight gain.

If you experience mild side effects be sure to mention them to doctor on your next visit. If they are more severe, contact your doctor immediately. Never just stop taking a drug without medical advice as you could have a seizure. The range of safe, reliable drugs available means that if you do suffer unacceptable effects with one medicine, the doctor can usually switch you to another that may suit you better.

Even so, you may be faced with a tricky choice between having no seizures but some side effects, or having some seizures but no side effects. At the end of the day it's your decision - but it's one that is best discussed with the doctor so that you can be aware of all the options.

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