What you need to know about antiseizure medications

Do you or anyone in your family have a seizure disorder? If so, your doctor may have prescribed medication for it. Today we are going to talk about the medications that are given to control these seizures. We call these 'Antiseizure medications'. You may have also heard of these as 'Anticonvulsants'. So let's see what these medications are, how they work, and what we need to be careful about when using them.

Simply put, what are the medications given for this fit? (What are Antiseizure Medications?)

These are special medications that can only be taken when prescribed by a doctor. Their main function is to stop and control the onset of seizures.

Think of our brain as an electrical system. The nerve cells (neurons) in it send information to each other using tiny electrical signals. A seizure occurs when the electrical activity in the brain suddenly becomes chaotic, creating an uncontrolled electrical storm. This is why a person who has a seizure loses consciousness, starts to twitch, and begins to see or feel strange things.

Antiseizure medications work by controlling this abnormal electrical activity in the brain. That is, they calm down the electrical storm and return brain function to normal.

Why aren't these called 'Anticonvulsants' now?

In the past, these medications were often called 'Anticonvulsants'. 'Convulsion' refers to the jerking of the limbs during a fit, or a seizure-like condition. But the most important thing we need to know is that not every fit causes a jerk.

There are some types of fits where you lose your concentration for a while, stare at one place, or act a little strangely. In these cases, there is no jerking of the limbs.

So, since the term 'anticonvulsant' doesn't cover all types of fits, doctors now use a more accurate name for these medications: 'antiseizure medication'.

What are these medications used for?

These medications are mainly given to control fits caused by epilepsy and other causes. They are also given to prevent fits after brain surgery.

But what's surprising is that these drugs are not just used for fit. Doctors also prescribe them for a number of other conditions. We call these 'off-label' uses. That is, even though the drug was originally approved for fit, experience has shown that it is also useful for other conditions, so they are given for those as well.

So don't be surprised if your doctor prescribes this medicine for another condition like this.

How does this medicine work inside the body?

This is a bit complicated, but let's keep it simple. As I said before, a fit is an uncontrolled release of electrical signals from neurons in the brain. It's like everyone in traffic honking their horns at once.

Antiseizure medications control this disorder in two main ways:

1. Controlling electrical gates: Nerve cells have little gates that help them make electrical signals. These are called ion channels. Some medications work by temporarily closing these gates, stopping the excessive electrical signals from being made.

2. Controlling chemical messages: Nerve cells talk to each other through chemical messages called ``neurotransmitters.`` Some messages stimulate nerve cells (tell them to work harder), while others inhibit nerve cells (tell them to calm down). These medications work by increasing calming messages (e.g. ``GABA``) and reducing overactivity in the brain.

Simply put, these medications reduce hyperactivity in the brain and create a calm state.

How long do I need to take the medicine?

This is something that varies from person to person. It is determined by your doctor. Several factors affect it.

• The type of fit you have.
• How much medicine do you use?
• How long has it been since you started taking the medication without having a fit?
• Do you have any other neurological diseases?
• The status of your EEG test reports.

What are the side effects of the medication?

Like any medicine, these medicines can have side effects. However, they do not affect everyone. Some people recover well without any side effects. These are some of the most common side effects.

• Headache
• Fatigue, drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood changes

If you experience this, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor. You may be able to manage the condition by changing the dosage of your medication or switching to a different medication.

Another thing: Some antiseizure medications can increase the risk of osteoporosis when used long-term. So your doctor may tell you to take calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Risks and things to be aware of

Although most of these medications are safe, there are some serious, but very rare, risks that we should be aware of.

Serious but very rare complications

These are actually very rare, but it's good to know.

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a severe skin allergy.
• Liver damage (Liver failure):
• Effects on blood cells (Aplastic anemia, Agranulocytosis):

In this situation, if you experience symptoms such as skin rashes, fever, or sore throat, see a doctor immediately.

Problems with other medications (Drug Interactions)

This is very important. Some antiseizure medications, especially older medications, can interact with other medications we take. Therefore, it is imperative to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking (including medications for other illnesses, painkillers, vitamins, Sinhala medicines, and Ayurvedic medicines).

Drug toxicity

If you take more medicine than prescribed, either by mistake or on purpose, it can be toxic. This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment.

Symptoms of poisoning:

• Severe confusion
• Nystagmus (inability to keep the eyes in one place)
• Difficulty walking, clumsiness (Ataxia)
• Breathing becomes slow and shallow.

Suicidal thoughts

Studies have shown that some people (a very small number) taking this medication may have a slightly increased risk of suicidal thoughts. If you or your child are having these thoughts, do not ignore them and talk to your doctor immediately.

Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

This is a question that many mothers have. The decision to take medication for fit during pregnancy should be made very carefully. Current medical advice is that the risks of stopping the medication during pregnancy outweigh the risks to the fetus of taking the medication .

Because, if a fit occurs during pregnancy, it can be harmful to the mother and the unborn child. Therefore, if you are expecting a child, talk to your doctor before you become pregnant . Then your doctor can choose the safest medicine or dose for you and the baby. Some medicines (e.g. `Valproic acid`) can pose a greater risk to the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, it is best to plan ahead.