inhibition. They take action in one of two ways: Affecting ion (sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride) channels in the cell membrane to change electrical activity in neurons.

Antiepileptic drugs are used for a variety of disorders in addition to epilepsy. Garrard and colleagues discovered that of the 7.7% of nursing home patients who used AEDs, 42% did so for reasons other than epilepsy. Furthermore, more than three-quarters of the 3% who began taking AEDs after admission received one for a non-seizure-related reason. Postherpetic neuralgia, migraines, headaches, diabetic neuropathy, neuropathic pain, bipolar affective disorder, trigeminal neuralgia, and other disorders are routinely treated with AEDs.

Types of Anti-epileptic drugs

There are many AEDs.

Common types include:

sodium valproate

carbamazepine

lamotrigine

levetiracetam

topiramate

The optimum kind for you will be determined by factors such as the type of seizures you experience, your age, and whether or not you plan to have a child. Some AEDs can damage an unborn foetus; for additional information, see living with epilepsy. If your doctor suggests using an AED, inquire about the several varieties available and which one is most likely to be the best fit for you.

The majority of persons with epilepsy are treated with anti-epileptic medications (AEDs). With the correct treatment, up to 70% (7 in 10) of people might cease having seizures. AEDs are a type of drug that is used to prevent seizures. They can't stop a seizure from starting, and they can't treat epilepsy.

Side effects

When using AEDs for the first time, side effects are typical. Some may occur shortly after beginning therapy and disappear after a few days or weeks, while others may not present for several weeks.

The side effects you may get depend on the medicine you're taking.

Common side effects of AEDs include:

drowsiness

a lack of energy

agitation

headaches

uncontrollable shaking (tremor)

hair loss or unwanted hair growth

swollen gums

rashes – contact your GP or specialist if you get a rash, as it might mean you're having a serious reaction to your medicine

If you suffer symptoms that are comparable to being intoxicated, such as unsteadiness, poor concentration, or getting ill, see your doctor or a specialist. This may indicate that your dose is too high. Check the information sheet that came with your drug for information on the adverse effects.

Most people's seizures will be stopped if they find the proper AED for them. Although it may take some time for some people to get this perfect, the goal is to stop your seizures with with one AED. If your seizures do not cease when the dose is raised, or if you experience adverse effects, talk to your doctor about switching to a different AED. Because AEDs function in different ways, just because one doesn't control your seizures doesn't indicate others won't. When switching from one AED to another, the second medicine is normally given and gradually increased to a dose that is likely to work, while the first drug is gradually lowered.