Adjunctive Treatments for Seizures in Adults

Adulthood seizures can often be effectively treated with medications specifically created for seizures, but in some cases patients still experience the occasional seizure. Because of this, your doctor may recommend an additional, or adjunctive therapy, to help control your seizures. This is typically a second medication.

Gabapentin

This medication is generally used for seizures associated with epilepsy. It is classified as an anticonvulant. It works by reducing unusual excitement in your brain. Your doctor will usually start you with a low dose and gradually increase it until you are at a dose that is working for you. This medication can cause a large variety of side effects. Some of the most common include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, weight gain and headache.

Lacosamide

This medication is a combination medication used to treat certain seizure types. It is an anticonvulsant. It helps to control seizures by reducing unusual electrical activity within the brain. Like gabapentin, the dose is generally started low and gradually increased over time. Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, uncontrollable eye movements, headache, itching, vomiting, double or blurry vision, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, coordination and balance problems and uncontrollable body part shaking.

Levetiracetam

This is also a combination medication and is generally used for seizures associated with epilepsy. It is classified as an anticonvulsant. It works by reducing unusual excitement in your brain. You will start on a low dose and work with your doctor to gradually increase it over time. Some of the common side effects include drowsiness, nervousness, coordination problems, pain, headache, constipation and weakness.

Pregabalin

This medication is generally used as a combination drug to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. It is classified as an anticonvulsant. Your doctor will generally start you out with a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach a dose that works for you. Common side effects may include nausea, tiredness, gas, muscle twitching, elevated mood, constipation, lack of coordination and forgetfulness.

Oxcarbazepine

This medication is an anticonvulsant. It helps to control seizures by reducing unusual electrical activity within the brain. Common side effects may include forgetfulness, drowsiness, constipation, weight gain, double vision, heartburn, loss of appetite, stomach pain and dry mouth.

You will have to work closely with your doctor when using an adjunctive seizure treatment. You and your doctor will likely work closely to adjust doses for a while and may even have to switch medications a time or two before you get the right medication regimen. It is important to be patient and listen to your doctor. Take everything exactly as prescribed and be sure to report everything out of the ordinary to your doctor.

Resources

Epilepsy Foundation: Treatment