Let's learn exactly about the medications given for fits (Antiseizure Medications)

If you or someone in your family has a "fit" or a migraine, you may have various questions and perhaps even a little fear about the medication given for it. What kind of medication is this? Are these good for the body? How long do you have to take it? You may be wondering things like this. So today, let's talk about the medication given for this fit, or in medical terms, `Antiseizure Medications`, in a very simple way, in language that you can understand.

First, let's see, what is a "seizure"?

Simply put, our brain cells, called neurons, communicate with each other through very subtle electrical signals. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled increase in electrical activity in a part of the brain. It's like a short circuit in an electrical system. This can cause that part of the brain to become overactive, causing a variety of symptoms.

• Sometimes there are tremors and shaking of the limbs (convulsions).
• Sometimes I lose consciousness.
• Another time you're staring (staring spell).
• You may also feel unusual sensations.

Many people think that when you say "fit," you have to have a seizure. But that's not the case. A fit can happen without a seizure. This is why these medications are now called "Antiseizure Medications" rather than the previous name, "Anticonvulsants."

What are these medications?

There are many types of medications for fits. Your doctor will choose the most suitable medication for you based on the nature of the fit you are having, your age, and whether you have other medical conditions. These medications can be divided into two main categories.

Is this medicine used only for fitness?

No. This is something that many people don't know. Antiseizure medications are used to treat a number of other conditions in addition to controlling seizures. They are also useful for other conditions because of their ability to calm the nervous system in the brain.

• To prevent migraines
• For neuropathic pain
• Mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder
• Fibromyalgia (pain throughout the body)
• Anxiety conditions
• Restless Leg Syndrome (discomfort in the legs)

How does this medicine work inside the body?

Think of a fit as an electrical storm in the brain. What this medicine does is calm that storm. There are several ways to do that.

1. Controlling ion channels: Electrical signals in our neurons are generated by the movement of ions like sodium and calcium. These drugs work by slightly reducing the activity of the channels through which those ions move. This stops the neurons from becoming overstimulated.

2. Increasing calming chemicals (`neurotransmitters`): Our brain naturally has a chemical that calms certain neurons. It's called `GABA`. Some `antiseizure` drugs work by increasing the effects of this `GABA`. Then the brain calms down.

Simply put, these medications control excessive electrical activity in the brain and bring it back to normal.

Serious risks and things we should be aware of

Like all medications, these medications can have both minor side effects and very rare serious risks. There's nothing to worry about, but it's important to be aware of this.

Common side effects

These usually occur early in the medication and disappear as the body adjusts to the medication.

• Headache (headache)
• Drowsiness, fatigue
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea
• Weight gain or loss

If these persist or bother you, talk to your doctor without stopping the medication .

Toxicity and emergencies

Taking more medication than the doctor prescribed (accidentally or intentionally) can lead to drug poisoning. This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment.

Other rare but serious risks

These are very rarely seen things.

• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome: A condition that causes severe blistering and peeling of the skin and mucous membranes (inside the mouth and nose).
• Liver damage (Liver Failure)
• Affecting blood cell production (Aplastic Anemia, Agranulocytosis)

Severe allergies like this are very rare, which is why your doctor will regularly check your blood and monitor you for this.

Is it safe to use this medicine during pregnancy?

This is an important question for many people. It is very dangerous to suddenly stop taking medication for epilepsy during pregnancy. Doing so can cause the epilepsy to return, which can be harmful to both the mother and the unborn child.

The doctor can then choose the safest medicine and dosage for you that will minimize the risk to your baby. Some medicines (e.g. `Valproic acid`) may be more risky for your baby than others. So it's best to plan ahead.

Seizure, Antiseizure Medications, Anticonvulsants, Seizure medications Sinhala