{"id":28427,"date":"2018-05-08T19:18:44","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T13:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=28427"},"modified":"2018-08-01T10:58:07","modified_gmt":"2018-08-01T05:28:07","slug":"seizures-common-drug-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/?p=28427","title":{"rendered":"Seizures and Its Most Common Drug List"},"content":{"rendered":"

Seizure<\/strong> is a condition marked by loss of control, which is usually, but not always accompanied by loss of consciousness and convulsions. Convulsions are abnormal shaky movements of the body. From just a staring spell to unconsciousness, seizure can produce varied symptoms.<\/p>\n

A notable fact is that seizure and epilepsy are not the same. Seizure is a single, isolated episode. On the other hand, two or more episodes or a tendency to develop repeated seizure episodes, is known as epilepsy.<\/p>\n

However, epilepsy is the most common cause of seizure and such seizure episodes are called epileptic seizures. Non-epileptic seizures are caused by other factors, like brain defect at birth, infection of brain, stroke<\/strong><\/a> , head injury, certain medications, bleeding of brain, insomnia<\/strong><\/a>, high fever, etc. Other factors like family history of seizures, alcoholism<\/strong><\/a> and drug abuse, puts a person at a high risk of developing seizures.<\/p>\n

Epileptic seizures usually arise due to abnormality in communication pathway of brain cells, causing abnormal movements and behavior. If the seizure activity starts in one localized area of brain, it is known as focal or partial seizure. If the seizure activity begins on both sides of brain, it is known as generalized seizure. However, focal seizure may progress to a generalized seizure.<\/p>\n

A seizure episode can pose several complications, like serious injury, accidents, problems in pregnancy and even death. A seizure episode that lasts longer than 5 minutes is a medical emergency and must be treated promptly.
\nThe treatment of seizures includes, medications and other alternative methods.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n

The symptoms of seizures vary from mild to severe. Some of the symptoms of a seizure episode are as follows.<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Temporary confusion<\/li>\n
  • A staring spell<\/li>\n
  • Loss of awareness or consciousness<\/li>\n
  • Frothing or drooling of mouth<\/li>\n
  • Clenching teeth<\/li>\n
  • Uncontrollable muscle spasms<\/li>\n
  • Tongue biting<\/li>\n
  • Sudden rapid movements of eye<\/li>\n
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control<\/li>\n
  • Cognitive or emotional signs, like Deja vu, anxiety and fear<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Treatment<\/h2>\n

    The aim of treatment of seizure patients is to prevent future seizure episodes, while dealing with minimum side-effects of the therapy. Anti-seizure or anti-epileptic medications form the chief therapy in these patients.
    \nHowever, patients not responding to medications, may require surgery and nerve stimulation. Also, these patients are recommended to consume a ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and low in carbohydrates.<\/p>\n

    Various anti-epileptic medications used in the treatment of seizures are described below.<\/p>\n

    1. Barbiturate<\/h3>\n

    Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a vital brain chemical, which depresses the brain. It does so by keeping the chloride ion channels open for a longer time. Barbiturates act on specific site of brain and potentiate the action of GABA, thus depressing the central nervous system. However, it must be noted that when given at a higher dose, barbiturates directly act like GABA and prolong the opening of chloride ion channels of brain. This action is known as GABA- mimetic effect and is exhibited by barbiturates.
    \nThrough this action, barbiturates lower the excitability of brain and prevent the onset of seizures.<\/p>\n

    Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n

    A. Primidone<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> primidone
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Mysoline tablet
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Unsteadiness, cough, chills, sore throat, fever, skin rash, pale skin, shortness of breath
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    2. Benzodiazepines (BZDs)<\/h3>\n

    This group of drugs acts on specific receptors of brain and reduces the excitability of brain. Similar to barbiturates, BZDs also potentiate the action of GABA, thus causing depression of central nervous system. However, unlike barbiturates, BZDs do not alter the opening time of chloride ion channels. Instead, BZDs act on GABA receptors to alter the frequency of opening of chloride channels of brain. Also, BZDs enhance the binding of GABA to the brain receptors. This action is known as GABA- facilitating action.
    \nThis CNS-depressing action of BZDs aids in preventing the onset of seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

    Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations<\/p>\n

    A. Diazepam<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Diazepam Oral<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> diazepam (oral)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Valium
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Problem with muscle control or coordination, trembling, unsteady walk
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    Diazepam Injection<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Seizures
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> diazepam (injection)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Valium
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Same as seen with oral diazepam
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    B. Alprazolam<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> alprazolam (oral)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Xanax
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Speech alteration, unsteadiness, drowsiness, forgetfulness, irritability
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Can cause congenital fetal malformation when consumed in first trimester
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    C. Chlordiazepoxide<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Chlordiazepoxide Oral<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (oral)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Librium
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Mood changes, unsteadiness, fainting, difficulty in muscle coordination
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Can cause congenital fetal malformation when consumed in first trimester
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    Chlordiazepoxide Injection<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Seizures
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (injection)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Librium
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Same as seen with oral chlordiazepoxide
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Can cause congenital fetal malformation when consumed in first trimester
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    D. Lorazepam<\/strong><\/p>\n

    US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> lorazepam (oral and injection)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Ativan (oral), lorazepam (injection)
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Drowsiness, agitation, abdominal pain
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, due to its potential to cause neonatal flaccidity, feeding and respiratory difficulties.
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    E. Oxazepam<\/strong><\/p>\n

    US-FDA Status:<\/strong> Unapproved for Seizures
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> oxazepam (oral)
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Oxazepam
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Black tarry stools, chest pains, abdominal pain, chills, dark urine, fainting
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    3. Hydantoin<\/h3>\n

    A seizure episode is marked by frequent discharges by brain cells. This is caused by activation of voltage-sensitive sodium ion channels of brain. Hydantoin keeps the sodium ion channels in the inactivated state for longer duration, thus reducing the excitatory discharges by brain cells. This further reduces the frequency of seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

    Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations<\/p>\n

    A. Phenytoin<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> phenytoin sodium
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Dilantin capsule
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Constipation, confusion, dizziness, depression, fatigue, tremor, mood changes, irritability, restlessness
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    B. Fosphenytoin<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> fosphenytoin sodium
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Cerebyx injection
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Drowsiness, dizziness, burning sensation or pain on the injection site, nausea
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    4. Iminostilbene<\/h3>\n

    This group of drugs acts quite similar to hydantoin. They bind to inactivated voltage-gated sodium ion channels and prevent their activation. Hence, iminostilbenes reduce the frequency of seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

    Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations<\/p>\n

    A. Carbamazepine<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> carbamazepine
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Tegretol (oral), Carnevix (injection)
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Continuous back and forth eye movement, double vision, blurred vision
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    B. Oxcarbazepine<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> oxcarbazepine
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Trileptal tablet
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Changes in vision, dizziness, depression, fever, cough, sore throat, sneezing, unsteadiness
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, but can be given if benefits outweigh fetal risk
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    5. Succinimide<\/h3>\n

    Succinimide does not potentiate GABA, rather blocks a specific brain channel, called voltage-gated T-type calcium channel. This channel opens, permitting inflow of calcium ion in the brain cells, causing them to undergo excitation and evoke a seizure episode. By blocking this channel, succinimide raises the threshold of seizures and prevents the onset of seizure episodes.
    \nHowever, this drug is specifically used in the treatment of absence seizures.<\/p>\n

    Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n

    A. Ethosuximide<\/strong>
    \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
    \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
    \nGeneric name:<\/strong> ethosuximide
    \nBrand name:<\/strong> Zarontin capsule
    \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Irritability, changes in behavior, lack of appeti<\/p>\n

    te, tiredness, difficulty in sleeping, mood changes
    \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, but can be given if benefits outweigh fetal risk
    \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

    6. Aliphatic Carboxylic Acid<\/h3>\n

    This group of drugs act by following 3 mechanisms.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • It acts similar to hydantoin, i.e., it keeping the sodium ion channels in the inactivated state for a longer duration<\/li>\n
    • A succinimide-like action, i.e., blocking voltage-gated T-type calcium channels<\/li>\n
    • Enhances the action of GABA, by boosting its synthesis and blocking its degradation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Through these actions, aliphatic carboxylic acid depresses the nervous system and prevents seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

      Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations<\/p>\n

      A. Valproic Acid (Sodium Valproate)<\/strong>
      \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
      \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
      \nGeneric name:<\/strong> valproic acid (oral), valproate sodium (injection)
      \nBrand name:<\/strong> Depakene (oral), Depacon (injection)
      \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Black tarry stools, confusion, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stools, bloating, cough or hoarseness
      \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
      \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

      B. Divalproex (Semisodium Valproate)<\/strong>
      \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
      \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
      \nGeneric name:<\/strong> divalproex (oral)
      \nBrand name:<\/strong> Depakote
      \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Black tarry stools, confusion, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stools, bloating, cough or hoarseness
      \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
      \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

      7. Phenyl triazine<\/h3>\n

      Phenyl triazine acts by stabilizing the membrane of brain cells, by acting on sodium ion channels and release of certain brain chemicals. It prolongs the inactivated state of sodium ion channels, thus reducing the excitability of brain cells. Also, it may block the sodium ion channels, which further blocks the release of excitatory brain chemicals, namely glutamate and aspartate. By doing so, phenyl triazine prevents the onset of seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

      Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations and Injectable preparations<\/p>\n

      A. Lamotrigine<\/strong>
      \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
      \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
      \nGeneric name:<\/strong> lamotrigine (oral)
      \nBrand name:<\/strong> Lamictal
      \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Unsteadiness, blurred vision, skin rash, double vision, poor coordination
      \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated
      \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

      8. Cyclic GABA Analogues<\/h3>\n

      This group of drugs does not act on GABA receptor but enhances the release of GABA. By doing so, it depresses the nervous system and prevents seizure episodes.<\/p>\n

      Available as:<\/strong> Oral preparations<\/p>\n

      A. Gabapentin<\/strong>
      \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
      \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
      \nGeneric name:<\/strong> gabapentin
      \nBrand name:<\/strong> Neurontin capsule
      \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Anxiety, unsteadiness, depression, inability to concentrate, changing moods, restlessness, chest pain, cough, chills
      \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, but can be given if benfits outweigh fetal risk
      \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

      B. Pregabalin<\/strong>
      \nUS-FDA Status:<\/strong> Approved for Seizures
      \nAvailability:<\/strong> Prescription only
      \nGeneric name:<\/strong> pregabalin
      \nBrand name:<\/strong> Lyrica capsule
      \nSide-effects:<\/strong> Chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, diarrhea, skin rash, itching, sore throat, muscle pain
      \nIndicated in Pregnancy:<\/strong> Usually contraindicated, but can be given if benefits outweigh fetal risk
      \nAlcohol Content:<\/strong> Absent<\/p>\n

      OTC<\/h2>\n

      There are no over-the-counter drugs available for seizures, as they carry many serious side-effects. Consult your physician immediately if you are suspecting seizures. Self-medication is not recommended.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      Seizure is a condition marked by loss of control, which is usually, but not always accompanied by loss of consciousness and convulsions. Convulsions are abnormal shaky movements of the body. From just a staring spell to unconsciousness, seizure can produce varied symptoms. A notable fact is that seizure and epilepsy are not the same. Seizure […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":28523,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18941],"tags":[30996,30587],"class_list":{"0":"post-28427","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-drug-by-condition","8":"tag-seizure-drugs","9":"tag-seizures"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28427","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/19"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=28427"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28427\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/28523"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=28427"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=28427"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zovon.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=28427"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}