Drugs Used in Epileptic Disorders
Robin Brain
December 04, 2008
Sodium Valproate (Encorate, Epilex, Valprol, Divalproex)
This is a new drug and its chemical structure is quite different to the other drugs described for epileptic disorders. It is a valproic acid derivative and is useful in the treatment of grand mal, petit mal, and other type of seizures. It is supposed to benefit the patient by increasing the concentration of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is considered to be superior to ethosuximide in absence seizures. DIVALPROEX is a special form of valproic acid used in various epilepsies and in bipolar disorder and migraine.
Dosage: Initially given in doses of 600 mg per day, it should be gradually raised to 2 g or more per day. DIVALPROEX is used in a dose of 0.5 to 1.5 g per day in two divided doses.
Adverse Effects: This drug may cause loss of appetite, nausea, drowsiness, and vomiting. Other effects are curling and loss of hair (alopecia), fall in platelet count. The most dreaded but rare problem is severe liver damage in children below 3 years.
Precautions
The drug should be taken after meals and never on an empty stomach.
It should not be taken if there is a pre-existing liver disease.
It is excreted in the from of ketone bodies in the urine, so it will give false positive test for these substances.
It is never used during pregnancy because it may cause defects of backbone and spinal cord in babies.
Clonazepam (Clonoril 0.5 mg, 1 mg) is used in absence seizures, resistant grand mal seizures. Clobazam (Frisium 5 mg, 10 mg) is effective in refractory epilepsy.
Proper Use of Drugs
Anti-epileptic drugs control seizures but do not cure the disease. The treatment is to be taken regularly, early to avoid resistance and in optimal doses. All the drugs have tendency to change the disposition of a number of other drugs needed for concurrent disease. Therefore, the doctor must be consulted about change in dosages in case of those suffering with diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or painful disorder while on anti-epileptic drugs. Drugs should never be stopped suddenly because precipitation of severe convulsions may threaten life. Treatment is prolonged and can continue for several years. Some doctors advocate gradual withdrawal of medications if patient is without seizures for 5 years. If control is not adequate, the doctor may advise a blood level estimation of the drug. So far as possible pregnancy should be avoided during treatment, but if a woman conceives while on treatment the drugs should not be stopped. A doctor may substitute safer drugs under supervision to avoid birth defects. Folic acid should also be taken by women from 4th month onwards to reduce chances of neural tube defects and bleeding in newborn.
A family member should carefully learn to help patient during convulsions. The person in seizure must be rolled on one side, a watch kept on breathing and a pillow is placed under his head. The family physician must be informed, and the patient must never be left alone. A diary of fits should be maintained by the sick with addresses or contact numbers of treating doctor/ relatives and should be kept in the wallet.
Get more information on Generic Drugs and Generic Drug Industry.
This is a new drug and its chemical structure is quite different to the other drugs described for epileptic disorders. It is a valproic acid derivative and is useful in the treatment of grand mal, petit mal, and other type of seizures. It is supposed to benefit the patient by increasing the concentration of GABA, a neurotransmitter in the brain. It is considered to be superior to ethosuximide in absence seizures. DIVALPROEX is a special form of valproic acid used in various epilepsies and in bipolar disorder and migraine.
Dosage: Initially given in doses of 600 mg per day, it should be gradually raised to 2 g or more per day. DIVALPROEX is used in a dose of 0.5 to 1.5 g per day in two divided doses.
Adverse Effects: This drug may cause loss of appetite, nausea, drowsiness, and vomiting. Other effects are curling and loss of hair (alopecia), fall in platelet count. The most dreaded but rare problem is severe liver damage in children below 3 years.
Precautions
The drug should be taken after meals and never on an empty stomach.
It should not be taken if there is a pre-existing liver disease.
It is excreted in the from of ketone bodies in the urine, so it will give false positive test for these substances.
It is never used during pregnancy because it may cause defects of backbone and spinal cord in babies.
Clonazepam (Clonoril 0.5 mg, 1 mg) is used in absence seizures, resistant grand mal seizures. Clobazam (Frisium 5 mg, 10 mg) is effective in refractory epilepsy.
Proper Use of Drugs
Anti-epileptic drugs control seizures but do not cure the disease. The treatment is to be taken regularly, early to avoid resistance and in optimal doses. All the drugs have tendency to change the disposition of a number of other drugs needed for concurrent disease. Therefore, the doctor must be consulted about change in dosages in case of those suffering with diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or painful disorder while on anti-epileptic drugs. Drugs should never be stopped suddenly because precipitation of severe convulsions may threaten life. Treatment is prolonged and can continue for several years. Some doctors advocate gradual withdrawal of medications if patient is without seizures for 5 years. If control is not adequate, the doctor may advise a blood level estimation of the drug. So far as possible pregnancy should be avoided during treatment, but if a woman conceives while on treatment the drugs should not be stopped. A doctor may substitute safer drugs under supervision to avoid birth defects. Folic acid should also be taken by women from 4th month onwards to reduce chances of neural tube defects and bleeding in newborn.
A family member should carefully learn to help patient during convulsions. The person in seizure must be rolled on one side, a watch kept on breathing and a pillow is placed under his head. The family physician must be informed, and the patient must never be left alone. A diary of fits should be maintained by the sick with addresses or contact numbers of treating doctor/ relatives and should be kept in the wallet.
Get more information on Generic Drugs and Generic Drug Industry.
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