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In short: Oxcarbazepine, sold in the UK under the brand name Trileptal and as generic versions, is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) used for focal seizures. Most early side effects are dose-related and often settle, but oxcarbazepine has one distinctive risk worth understanding: low blood sodium, known as hyponatraemia. Skin reactions also need prompt attention, particularly…

Category: Uncategorised

In short: Phenytoin, known in the UK by the brand name Epanutin, is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) with a narrow margin between an effective blood level and a level that causes side effects. Small dose changes can produce large changes in blood level, which is why phenytoin levels are monitored and why staying on the…

Category: Treatments

In short: Good epilepsy awareness training covers seizure recognition across the main seizure types, seizure first aid, unambiguous criteria for calling 999, how to follow an individual support plan, and accurate recording. Awareness training alone does not make anyone competent to give rescue medication such as buccal midazolam: that requires named staff, practical training and…

Category: Education

Carbamazepine, commonly prescribed as Tegretol (amongst other brand names), is a long-established anti-seizure medication (ASM). It is effective for many people, but it interacts with a number of other medicines and has a few serious reactions worth understanding. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from a prescriber, pharmacist or…

Category: Treatments

Lamotrigine, commonly prescribed under the brand name Lamictal (amongst other brand names), is one of the most widely used anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in the UK. It is often chosen because many people tolerate it well, but like any ASM it can cause side effects, and there are a small number of serious reactions that everyone…

Category: Treatments

Sodium valproate, commonly prescribed as Epilim (amongst other brand names), is one of the most effective anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for certain seizure types. It is also the ASM with the most significant safety requirements in the UK, particularly around pregnancy, and these have been updated recently. This guide explains the side effects and the current…

Category: Treatments