Most Effective Absence Seizure Medication

Absence seizures were once referred to as "petit mal" seizures. They are short periods of time (usually only a few seconds) during which an individual appears to be daydreaming or "spacing out." The person usually has no other symptoms of seizure or may have very subtle symptoms like small mouth or hand movements. Most absence seizures are outgrown by adulthood but are treated with medications until then. There are three medications most often used for absence seizures.

Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

• Ethosuximide suppresses the specific types of brain waves that occur during absence seizures. The medicine comes in capsules and in liquid form. The capsules should always be swallowed whole instead of chewed because of the way the body absorbs them. They must reach the stomach in one piece. When using liquid, it is important to use a measuring device that has markings on it so that the dose is accurate. Household measures, like spoons, are not all the same. A dosing syringe or marked measuring spoon designed for medications is more accurate. Stomach upset can occur when taking ethosuximide. Taking the medicine with food may help. You may also experience hiccups, nausea and vomiting. Some people have reported dizziness and sleep disturbances. Mood and behavior changes are possible as well. Skin and immune system abnormalities have been reported. For any symptom that interferes with your life, notify the person who prescribed the medicine. Of course, if you have a severe allergic reaction, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.

Valproic Acid (Depakene)

• Also known as Depakote and Depakote ER, this medicine is available in pills, liquid and "sprinkles" (capsules that may be opened so that the beads can be mixed into food). The tablet form of the medicine should be swallowed whole and is designed to protect the stomach from upset. Like many drugs, it is not known exactly how valproic acid works to inhibit absence seizures but according to the Epilepsy Foundation, it probably affects a specific brain chemical called GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), which helps to transmit signals in the brain. Some reported side affects are weight gain, temporary hair loss, nausea and vomiting and missed menstrual periods. It should be used with caution in young children, especially under 2 years, because fatal liver failure has occurred. This medicine has been used during pregnancy but increases the risk of birth defects, including spina bifida.

Lamotrigne (Lamictal)

• This medicine is available in tablets for once or twice daily use. It is recommended to swallow them whole but they have been used effectively when crushed for children who can not swallow tablets or individuals who use feeding tubes. Lamotrigne should be started at a low dose and gradually worked up to the right individual dose. Children are prone to rashes from too high a dose initially. In addition to rash, side effects might include dizziness, sleepiness, stomach upset and headache. It should be used with caution in pregnancy since most seizure medication has been linked to birth defects. Lamotrigne and valproic acid have chemical reactions that make them more concentrated if they are taken by the same person, so usually, the dosages of both will be lower than if they either is given alone. This drug also interacts with several other seizure medicines and birth control medications, so tell the person prescribing your lamotrigne about any other medicines you take.