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Medications are only part of managing epilepsy. Self management involves
taking control of the way you think and feel about epilepsy, and how you
cope in everyday life. It is about playing an active rather than a passive
role in the management of your epilepsy to live life to the fullest.
These practical tips may prevent seizures and help you to take control of your life.
Educate
Yourself
Try to find out as much as you can about your condition so you can understand and learn how to manage it.
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Knowledge can reduce anxiety and concerns
by helping you feel more in control.
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You will be able to take a more active role asking questions and discussing treatment options with your doctor.
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A greater understanding of your condition can help you to identify your own seizure triggers.
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The correct information can dispel myths and make you feel more comfortable talking about epilepsy to others.
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By educating yourself, you can educate others.
Take
Medications as Prescribed
Medications
don't cure epilepsy, but they can control seizures.
Taking doses as prescribed by the doctor is essential to gaining seizure
control. If you have difficulty remembering to take medication:
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Make it part of a daily routine such as taking
them at meal times.
- Set
a watch or small alarm clock as a reminder.
- Use
a pillbox or place the medications in a visible
position as a reminder.
- Use
a chart or calender and tick when the dose
is taken.
- Ask
someone close to remind you.
Check
Before Taking Other Medications or Supplements
Other medications may interact with antiepileptic medications or make you more prone to having seizures.
It is recommended people consult the doctor before commencing herbal
medicines, homoeopathic substances and supplements such as Gingko Biloba,
St Johns Wort and Evening Primrose Oil. These are believed to affect
seizure control because they interfere with the metabolism of antiepileptic
medications.
Be aware that vomiting and diarrhoea can also cause seizures because
antiepileptic medications may not be absorbed properly and fluid and
electrolyte imbalances can occur due to dehydration.
Brands and Generic Medications
There can be a slight variation between brand medications for epilepsy and
the cheaper, generic medications your pharmacist may offer you.
Studies have shown that even small differences between medications can
cause more seizures or different side effects.
It appears that the change in medication is what causes problems, whether it is
from brand to generic, generic to a brand, or even generic to generic. So
it is wise to stick with whatever medication you originally commenced with, either brand or generic.
Avoid
Large Amounts of Caffiene or High Energy Drinks
There have been a number of reported cases where excess caffeine
has contributed to the increase in frequency of seizures or uncontrolled
seizures.
Caffeine is a stimulant and is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, many
soft drinks and medications, including some diet pills, antihistamines
and decongestants.
Guarana is a natural caffeine source and a stimulant. It is one of
the ingredients often used in energy drinks and herbal ‘weight loss’
teas, and may be combined with other substances to produce an even
stronger stimulant effect. The combination has been known to cause
irregular heartbeats, increased urination, insomnia, higher blood
pressure, irritability and seizures. Frequent use may actually cause
dependency.
Grapefruit and Seville oranges
There are substances in grapefruit that can interfere with the way the body
absorbs and breaks down (metabolises) certain medications, increasing or
decreasing its levels in the bloodstream. One of these medications is
Tegretol (Carbamazepine). Avoid grapefruit or Seville oranges if you are
on this medication.
Get
Enough Sleep
Lack of sleep is a common trigger for
seizures.
The amount of sleep a person needs will differ between individuals,
but it is recommended that people with epilepsy stick to a regular
bedtime and try to get a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours) as often as
possible.
People with epilepsy do not need an excessive amount of sleep. Constant
tiredness and sleepiness may be a sign that medications may need
adjusting.
Recognise
and Respond to Stress
Stress can’t always be avoided, but you can minimise its impact by
changing the way you respond. It is important to identify the cause
of stress and find practical solutions.
Some known stress busters are:
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Muscle relaxation exercises
- Breathing
techniques
- Yoga
- Effective
time management
- Music
- Reading
- Good
support networks
- Exercise
If stress is having a significant impact, discuss concerns with a
professional such as a psychologist or counsellor.
Be
Aware of Seizure Triggers
Identifying seizure triggers and learning how to avoid them
is important for seizure control.
Avoiding seizure triggers can be very difficult at times. Weigh up
the risks and look at quality of life issues.
LIVE
LIFE THE BEST YOU CAN!
Common seizure triggers include missed medications, sleep deprivation
and stress. But seizure triggers can also include:
- Low
blood sugar
- Extreme
heat or cold
- Startle
such as a loud noise
- Depression,
boredom
- Dehydration
- Flashing
lights
- Hormonal
changes in females
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Keeping
a seizure diary may be helpful in identifying
triggers.
Most people with epilepsy agree that taking their medication regularly
and simply being careful with their lifestyle minimises the chances of
having a seizure.
For more information or advice about epilepsy,
contact Epilepsy Action on 1300 37 45 37 or email epilepsy@epilepsy.org.au
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Understand Epilepsy
