Understanding Anticonvulsants
The medications known as antiepileptic drugs or Anticonvulsants are used to reduce seizures and prevent them from happening. They can be used to treat epileptic seizures as well as provide relief for the symptoms. These drugs can also be used to treat Anxiety and bipolar disorder. Doctors and other health care providers may prescribe anticonvulsants.
Which health conditions can be treated with anticonvulsants
Although anticonvulsants are used primarily to treat epilepsy they also can be used for a wide range of health conditions. They can be used to treat anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain. People who suffered brain injury or strokes can use anticonvulsants to decrease the number of seizures.
Some examples of anticonvulsants
There are many types of anticonvulsants. The most popular anticonvulsant medication is:
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- Phenytoin , also known as Dilantin
- Valproic Acid ( Depakote ).
- Lamotrigine ( Lamictal )
- Oxcarbazepine , also known as Trileptal
- Gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Levetiracetam ( Keppra )
- Topiramate , Topamax
- Pregabalin ( Lyrica ).
Considerations of experts and professionals regarding anticonvulsants
Professionals and experts agree that anticonvulsants are an effective treatment of epilepsy. A review in Neurology found that anticonvulsants can reduce seizure frequency and are effective in reducing epilepsy. It was also revealed that the anticonvulsants are well tolerated and have few side effects.
Researchers published another study in Pediatrics that found anticonvulsants could reduce seizures in epilepsy children. Researchers also discovered that anticonvulsants were easily tolerated and caused few side effects. These findings indicate that anticonvulsants may be an effective option for epilepsy children.
Side effects of anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants are effective in treating epilepsy, as well as other disorders. However they may also have side effects. Anticonvulsants can cause side effects such as dizziness and nausea. Some anticonvulsants can cause liver damage and weight gain. Before you start taking anticonvulsants, it is important that your doctor be aware of any side effects.
You should also be aware that anticonvulsants may interact with certain other drugs. Before you start a new medication, tell your doctor what medications are being taken.
Alternative Natural Remedies For Anticonvulsants
Natural remedies can help to reduce seizures for epileptic patients. The potential anticonvulsant effects of herbal remedies like kava-kava, valerian root and St. John's Wort have been extensively studied. Recent systematic reviews published in the Journal Phytotherapy Research showed that kava kava reduced seizure frequency among epileptic patients.
For their anticonvulsant potential, other natural remedies such as vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acid, and magnesium have been investigated. In a recent study , Epilepsy & behavior published a finding that supplements with magnesium and Omega-3 fatty acids decreased seizure frequency among adults suffering from epilepsy.
Yoga and acupuncture may be useful in reducing seizures frequency. Recent systematic reviews published in Complementary Therapies In Medicine showed that acupuncture is effective in reducing seizures among epileptics.
Conclusion
The medication anticonvulsants is used to reduce or prevent seizures in epileptic patients. They can help with symptoms of epilepsy, as well as other disorders. Side effects can occur, so make sure to consult your doctor before you take any medication. You can also try natural remedies like kavakava, magnesium and acupuncture to reduce seizure frequency.
Anticonvulsants are effective in treating epilepsy, as well as other disorders. Before you take anticonvulsants, make sure to discuss with your doctor the potential benefits and risks. You may also find natural treatments that can reduce seizure frequency such as magnesium and kava-kava.