Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes people to have recurring seizures. The seizures happen when clusters of nerve cells, or neurons, in the brain send out the wrong signals. People may have strange sensations and emotions or behave strangely. They may have violent muscle spasms or lose consciousness.
Epilepsy has many possible causes, including illness, brain injury, and abnormal brain development. In many cases, the cause is unknown.
Doctors use brain scans and other tests to diagnose epilepsy. It is important to start treatment right away. There is no cure for epilepsy, but medicines can control seizures for most people. When medicines are not working well, surgery or implanted devices such as vagus nerve stimulators may help. Special diets can help some children with epilepsy.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Epilepsy FDA Approved Drugs
APTIOM [Eslicarbazepine AcetateC17H16N2O3]
RX
- 200mg (oral tablet)
400mg (oral tablet)
600mg (oral tablet)
800mg (oral tablet)
Sunovion Pharms IncNov 8, 2013
- Approved indications: aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate) is indicated as adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures and approved in patients with epilepsy. patent claims: in a method of treating a subject afflicted with epilepsy.
- Method of treating epilepsy.
- Monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for treatment of partial-onset seizures and approved in patients with epilepsy.
BANZEL [RufinamideC10H8F2N4O]
RX
- 200mg (oral tablet)
400mg (oral tablet)
40mg/ml (oral suspension)
Eisai IncNov 14, 2008
- Treatment of epilepsy.
BRIVIACT [BrivaracetamC11H20N2O2]
RX
- 100mg (oral tablet)
10mg (oral tablet)
10mg/ml (oral solution)
25mg (oral tablet)
50mg (oral tablet)
50mg/5ml (10mg/ml) (intravenous solution)
75mg (oral tablet)
Ucb IncMay 12, 2016
- Treatment of partial-onset seizures as adjunctive therapy in patients with epilepsy aged 16 years and older with epilepsy.
DEPAKOTE ER [Divalproex Sodium2C8H15O2H+Na]
RX
- eq 250mg valproic acid (oral tablet, extended release)
eq 500mg valproic acid (oral tablet, extended release)
AbbvieMay 31, 2002
- Treatment of epilepsy and/or migraine..
- Treatment of epilepsy.
FYCOMPA [PerampanelC23H15N3O]
RX
- 0.5mg/ml (oral suspension)
10mg (oral tablet)
12mg (oral tablet)
4mg (oral tablet)
6mg (oral tablet)
8mg (oral tablet)
Eisai IncApr 29, 2016
- Treatment of epilepsy.
LAMICTAL ODT [LamotrigineC9H7Cl2N5]
RX
- 100mg (oral tablet, orally disintegrating)
200mg (oral tablet, orally disintegrating)
25mg (oral tablet, orally disintegrating)
50mg (oral tablet, orally disintegrating)
Glaxosmithkline LlcMay 8, 2009
- Lamictal is an antiepileptic drug (aed) indicated for: epilepsy-adjunctive therapy in patients greater than or equal to 2 years of age: (1.1) partial seizures primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
TROKENDI XR [TopiramateC12H21NO8S]
RX
- 100mg (oral capsule, extended release)
200mg (oral capsule, extended release)
25mg (oral capsule, extended release)
50mg (oral capsule, extended release)
Supernus PharmsAug 16, 2013
- Treatment of epilepsy.
- Use of trokendi xr for prophylactic treatment of migraine.
- Use of trokendi xr for the treatment of epilepsy.
VIMPAT [LacosamideC13H18N2O3]
RX
- 100mg (oral tablet)
10mg/ml (oral solution)
150mg (oral tablet)
200mg (oral tablet)
200mg/20ml (10mg/ml) (intravenous solution)
Ucb IncOct 28, 2008
- Method of treating, as initial loading dose for monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, partial onset-seizures in a patient with epilepsy aged 17 years or older.
- Method of treating, as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, partial-onset seizures in a patient with epilepsy aged 17 years and older.
WARNING: Consult a licensed physician in the appropriate field for medical treatment and drug prescription. Do not self medicate.
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Epilepsy
ADONIS VERNALIS
The whole plant of Adonis vernalis, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Southern Europe, Siberia, and Labrador. Dose, 1/2 to 3 grains. Common Name:... / ...lampsia for two years, when the patient died. It is undoubtedly emmenagogue and has been advised in epilepsy, administering it with bromide of potassium. It should not be given when there is gastro-in...1
The whole plant of Adonis vernalis, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). Southern Europe, Siberia, and Labrador. Dose, 1/2 to 3 grains. Common Name:... / ...lampsia for two years, when the patient died. It is undoubtedly emmenagogue and has been advised in epilepsy, administering it with bromide of potassium. It should not be given when there is gastro-in...1
CONIUM
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...whoopingcough, but we have safer and more satisfactory remedies for these affections. Some cases of epilepsy due to masturbation have been relieved by conium, and it lessens the movements of paralysis... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
The full grown fruit, gathered green, of Conium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Europe and Asia; naturalized in the United... / ...whoopingcough, but we have safer and more satisfactory remedies for these affections. Some cases of epilepsy due to masturbation have been relieved by conium, and it lessens the movements of paralysis... / ...be applied and be given to relieve pain even when a cure is not possible. It relieves the pain of swollen mammae during the menstrual periods a1
JACARANDAJACAR
The leaves of Jacaranda procera, Sprengel (Nat. Ord. Bignoniaceae). A tree of Guiana and Brazil. Common Names: Carob Tree, Caroba, Caaroba. Principal... / ...the late manifestations of syphilis, as eruptions and ulcerations. Watkins suggested its use in the epilepsy of masturbators and in those of feeble mentality with voracious appetite.1
The leaves of Jacaranda procera, Sprengel (Nat. Ord. Bignoniaceae). A tree of Guiana and Brazil. Common Names: Carob Tree, Caroba, Caaroba. Principal... / ...the late manifestations of syphilis, as eruptions and ulcerations. Watkins suggested its use in the epilepsy of masturbators and in those of feeble mentality with voracious appetite.1
OENANTHE
The root of Oenanthe crocata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). A poisonous swamp plant of western and southern Europe. Dose, 1/8 to 1/2... / ...oduces gastro-enteritis and convulsions, often with fatal results. It has been advocated for use in epilepsy, but its exact symptomatology has never been satisfactorily determined. It must be used in ...1
The root of Oenanthe crocata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). A poisonous swamp plant of western and southern Europe. Dose, 1/8 to 1/2... / ...oduces gastro-enteritis and convulsions, often with fatal results. It has been advocated for use in epilepsy, but its exact symptomatology has never been satisfactorily determined. It must be used in ...1
PASSIFLORAPABE10
...assiflora is antispasmodic. If given when the aura is felt it may ward off or mitigate an attack of epilepsy, but is of no value when the seizure takes place. It is a better remedy to limit spasms of ......al convulsions. While more or less effectual in most varieties of spasm when established, except in epilepsy, it is a far better agent for intercurrent use to control the irritability which precedes a...1
...assiflora is antispasmodic. If given when the aura is felt it may ward off or mitigate an attack of epilepsy, but is of no value when the seizure takes place. It is a better remedy to limit spasms of ......al convulsions. While more or less effectual in most varieties of spasm when established, except in epilepsy, it is a far better agent for intercurrent use to control the irritability which precedes a...1
PHYSOSTIGMAPHYSO4
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...atory diseases of the meninges. It has failed to sustain the reputation once accorded it in chorea, epilepsy, trismus neonatorum, and puerperal convulsions and reflex paralysis. In traumatic tetanus i... / ...It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
The dried, ripe seed of Physostigma venenosum, Balfour (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae). A climbing perennial, native of Calabar, in the Gulf of Guinea, on... / ...atory diseases of the meninges. It has failed to sustain the reputation once accorded it in chorea, epilepsy, trismus neonatorum, and puerperal convulsions and reflex paralysis. In traumatic tetanus i... / ...It is one of the suggested antidotes for strychnine poisoning, the alkaloid being preferred. For all of1
SCUTELLARIASCCH2
The fresh green herb of Scutellaria lateriflora, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Common in damp situations throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to... / ... in the latter condition; nor can it be expected to aid much in delirium tremens, and not at all in epilepsy and paralysis agitans, in both of which it has been injudiciously advised. It appears to be... / ...a great reputation as a cure for hydrophobia, based upon the reports of New Jersey physicians, a claim which time has totally failed to sustain.1
The fresh green herb of Scutellaria lateriflora, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae). Common in damp situations throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to... / ... in the latter condition; nor can it be expected to aid much in delirium tremens, and not at all in epilepsy and paralysis agitans, in both of which it has been injudiciously advised. It appears to be... / ...a great reputation as a cure for hydrophobia, based upon the reports of New Jersey physicians, a claim which time has totally failed to sustain.1
SOLANUM CAROLINENSE
The root and fruit of Solanum Carolinense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Waste places and fields in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 10... / ...erapy.Solanum is antispasmodic, and for this effect has been extolled as a remedy for iodiopathic epilepsy, in which extraordinary claims are made for it; and of lesser value, in petit mal. As large... / ...but not with marked benefit. We have found it a good modifier of the paroxysms of whooping cough. Altogether its virtues are much overrated.1
The root and fruit of Solanum Carolinense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Waste places and fields in eastern half of the United States. Dose, 10... / ...erapy.Solanum is antispasmodic, and for this effect has been extolled as a remedy for iodiopathic epilepsy, in which extraordinary claims are made for it; and of lesser value, in petit mal. As large... / ...but not with marked benefit. We have found it a good modifier of the paroxysms of whooping cough. Altogether its virtues are much overrated.1
VALERIANA
The dried rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Valerianaceae). A native of Europe, but cultivated in England and the... / ... controls hyperaesthesia better than actual convulsive attacks; therefore, it is of little value in epilepsy, for which it has sometimes been suggested; and in chorea it should be persisted in when th... / ...after a meal by causing a rifting of gas. The oil and the ammoniated tincture are useful agents in fainting and nervous palpitation of the heart.1
The dried rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Valerianaceae). A native of Europe, but cultivated in England and the... / ... controls hyperaesthesia better than actual convulsive attacks; therefore, it is of little value in epilepsy, for which it has sometimes been suggested; and in chorea it should be persisted in when th... / ...after a meal by causing a rifting of gas. The oil and the ammoniated tincture are useful agents in fainting and nervous palpitation of the heart.1
VERBENAVEHY5
The whole plant of Verbena hastata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Verbenaceae). A common wayside and field weed in the United States. Common Names: Vervain,... / ...testinal irritation and stimulate menstruation. In recent years it has been lauded as a remedy for epilepsy characterized by cerebral anemia, instead of congestion, and therefore applicable to condit...1
The whole plant of Verbena hastata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Verbenaceae). A common wayside and field weed in the United States. Common Names: Vervain,... / ...testinal irritation and stimulate menstruation. In recent years it has been lauded as a remedy for epilepsy characterized by cerebral anemia, instead of congestion, and therefore applicable to condit...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Epilepsy
ANTIPYRIN (Phenazone)
Chemical name Phenyldimethylpyrazolon. Antipyretic, anal gesic, locally hemostatic. Used chiefly for relief of pain of a non-in fiammatory character, as in neuralgic affections and in locomotor ataxia. It often gives relief in whooping cough, and is a valuable remedy in epilepsy. Locally it is used with advantage in acute coryza and in hemorrhoids, associated generally with cocaine. Dose. 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.), which may be increased if the remedy is well borne.2
Chemical name Phenyldimethylpyrazolon. Antipyretic, anal gesic, locally hemostatic. Used chiefly for relief of pain of a non-in fiammatory character, as in neuralgic affections and in locomotor ataxia. It often gives relief in whooping cough, and is a valuable remedy in epilepsy. Locally it is used with advantage in acute coryza and in hemorrhoids, associated generally with cocaine. Dose. 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.), which may be increased if the remedy is well borne.2
BROMIDES
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
Since the medicinal action of the several alkaline bromides is es sentially the same, and they are frequently prescribed in combina tion, they are grouped here under a single head. They are sedative to the cerebro-spinal centers and hence employed in epilepsy, in in fantile convulsions, in tetanus, in strychnine poisoning, in whooping cough and generally for quieting nervous excitement and in particu lar sexual erethism. In epilepsy a combination of two or more brom ides often gives better resul2
CAMPHOR MONOBROMATED
This compound of camphor possesses properties quite distinct from those of camphor itself. It is used chiefly as an antispasmodic in epilepsy, chorea and paralysis agitans and as a calmative agent generally, but its usefulness is limited owing to liability to produce gastric disturbance. Dose. 0.06 to 0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.).2
This compound of camphor possesses properties quite distinct from those of camphor itself. It is used chiefly as an antispasmodic in epilepsy, chorea and paralysis agitans and as a calmative agent generally, but its usefulness is limited owing to liability to produce gastric disturbance. Dose. 0.06 to 0.3 Grm. (1 to 5 grs.).2
HORSE NETTLE
The fruit, also the root of SOLANUM CAROLINENsE, Lin. spasmodic, narcotic, diuretic. Useful particularly in epilepsy.2
The fruit, also the root of SOLANUM CAROLINENsE, Lin. spasmodic, narcotic, diuretic. Useful particularly in epilepsy.2
MASTERWORTASTRA4
The root of HERACLEUM LANATUM. Michx. Carminative, antispasmodic, alterative. Used in dyspepsia and in some forms of epilepsy and asthma.2
The root of HERACLEUM LANATUM. Michx. Carminative, antispasmodic, alterative. Used in dyspepsia and in some forms of epilepsy and asthma.2
MISTLETOEPHORA
The leaves of PHORADENDRON FLAVESCENS, (Pursh.) Nutt. Antispasmodic, nervine. oxytocic. Differs from Ergot in that it produces intermittent rather than continuous contractions of the uterus, hence preferable as an oxytocic. Used in asthma and epilepsy as well as to control uterine hemorrhages.2
The leaves of PHORADENDRON FLAVESCENS, (Pursh.) Nutt. Antispasmodic, nervine. oxytocic. Differs from Ergot in that it produces intermittent rather than continuous contractions of the uterus, hence preferable as an oxytocic. Used in asthma and epilepsy as well as to control uterine hemorrhages.2
SODIUM BORATE (Borax)
Sodium Borate like Boric Acid, q. v. is antiseptic, but owing to its alkalinity has also a soothing effect on irritated surfaces. It is a valuable remedy in lithiasis, rendering the urine alkaline. It is used with bcnciit internally in epilepsy, but is chiefly employed for its local action in gargles for the throat, collyria for the eyes and in lotions for relief of itching. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.), or more.2
Sodium Borate like Boric Acid, q. v. is antiseptic, but owing to its alkalinity has also a soothing effect on irritated surfaces. It is a valuable remedy in lithiasis, rendering the urine alkaline. It is used with bcnciit internally in epilepsy, but is chiefly employed for its local action in gargles for the throat, collyria for the eyes and in lotions for relief of itching. Dose, 0.3 to 1.0 Grm. (5 to 15 grs.), or more.2
ZINC BROMIDE
Prescribed for internal administration as a substitute for Zinc Oxide, in epilepsy, etc. It is questionable whether it has ever any advantage over the Oxide. Dose. 0.03 to 0.06 Grm. (1/2 to 1 gr.).2
Prescribed for internal administration as a substitute for Zinc Oxide, in epilepsy, etc. It is questionable whether it has ever any advantage over the Oxide. Dose. 0.03 to 0.06 Grm. (1/2 to 1 gr.).2
ZINC OXIDE
Tonic, antispasnmdic, astringent. Used internally as a nerve sedative in epilepsy, hysteria, chronic alcoholism, etc.; as a remedy of unquestioned value in colliquative sweats, also in diarrhea, par ticularly of dysenteric type. Its most important use, however. is as a soothing and protecting application, in form of an ointment, to burns, scalds, ulcers, wounds, fissures, moist eruptions of the skin, etc. Dose, 0.06 to 0.50 Grm. (1 to 8 grs.).2
Tonic, antispasnmdic, astringent. Used internally as a nerve sedative in epilepsy, hysteria, chronic alcoholism, etc.; as a remedy of unquestioned value in colliquative sweats, also in diarrhea, par ticularly of dysenteric type. Its most important use, however. is as a soothing and protecting application, in form of an ointment, to burns, scalds, ulcers, wounds, fissures, moist eruptions of the skin, etc. Dose, 0.06 to 0.50 Grm. (1 to 8 grs.).2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Epilepsy
EPILEPSY
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be used, if at all, with caution. To prevent the paroxysms. prescribe the bromides, particularly potassium bromide, which must be given well diluted, after meals. beginning with 10 grain doses and increasing to 25 or 30 grs., provided it does not disturb the digestion. If there is anemia, Combine with ferrous bromide or with Solution Gold and Arsenic Bmmides, N., B. & Co. Bromides of sodium and ammonium ...2
During the seizure, amyl nitrite is the remedy most likely to be of service; chloroform must be used, if at all, with caution. To prevent the paroxysms. prescribe the bromides, particularly potassium bromide, which must be given well diluted, after meals. beginning with 10 grain doses and increasing to 25 or 30 grs., provided it does not disturb the digestion. If there is anemia, Combine with ferrous bromide or with Solution Gold and Arsenic Bmmides, N., B. & Co. Bromides of sodium and ammonium ...2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.