What medications are used to treat absence seizures?

Absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures, are a type of generalized epilepsy characterized by brief lapses of consciousness that usually last for only a few seconds. The most commonly used medications to treat absence seizures are:

Ethosuximide (Zarontin)

Ethosuximide is the first-line drug of choice for absence seizures.

Valproate (Depakote)

Valproate is another effective medication for absence seizures.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Lamotrigine may also be beneficial in the treatment of this form of seizures.

Other medications that may be considered for managing absence seizures include:

- Zonisamide (Zonegran)

- Clonazepam (Klonopin)

- Clobazam (Onfi)

- Felbamate (Felbamate)

- Gabapentin (Neurontin)

- Levetiracetam (Keppra)

- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)

- Phenytoin (Dilantin)

- Topiramate (Topamax)

The choice of medication will depend on several factors, including the individual's age, seizure frequency, and other medical conditions. A doctor will carefully evaluate the individual's situation and select the most appropriate medication.