Question 1

what is the anticonvulsant mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Comments: Over 20 plus anticonvulsant medications with a host of varying mechanisms, some affecting Na/K channels, others affecting glutamate or GABA, one even having effect on zinc metabolism.  Regardless of mechanism, all are effective, and usual choice based upon tolerance of a variety of adverse events.

Question 2

do auras always go away when on an anticonvulsant?

Accepted Answer

We try: The concept of aura is that it is actually the beginning of a seizure.  The seizure may start in a region of the brain that causes a sensation or illusion that is felt as an aura.  As the seizure spreads it causes a full body convulsion.  Medications can stop the spread, but the early beginning symptoms may not be fully suppressed.

Question 3

do auras go away when you're on an anticonvulsant?

Accepted Answer

Yes if you get contr: If anticonvulsants are ceffective in controlling the seizures the aura will be controlled as well.

Question 4

how long should anticonvulsant be taken?

Accepted Answer

As long as necessary: Your neurologist with specialization in seizure disorders will determine the length of your anticonvulsant therapy depending on your particular type of seizures, their frequency and other comorbidities. Be sure to ask your doctor to switch you off valproic acid and take 1-5 mg of Folic Acid daily if planning to get pregnant. Do not drive unless your neurologists allows you to.

Question 5

was ethanol historically used as an anticonvulsant?

Accepted Answer

Interesting.: It might work short term, but seizures would likely increase with hangover. Alcohol does work to stop labor, and seizures due to alcohol withdrawal would certainly respond, again, for a time.

Question 6

what are the consequences of stopping an anticonvulsant?

Accepted Answer

Start seizures again: If you abruptly stop the anticonvulsants you may start the seizures again.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: anticonvulsant?

Accepted Answer

Medicine to prevent : Epileptic seizures, either generalized or focal. Numerous meds are available these days, and some work better with certain  types, such as myoclonic or complex partial seizures.  Often, in resistant cases, the meds can be used in combination.

Question 8

has anyone ever come off anticonvulsant medication with no further episodes?

Accepted Answer

Anticonvulsants: Depends on what the anticonvulsant was used for, such as seizures or mood stabilizers or pain control, etc. , & how long.  Discuss with your doctor.

Question 9

does ethanol have anticonvulsant effects and can it hypothetically be used for that purpose?

Accepted Answer

No: Ethanol and all alcohols are central nervous system depressants not medications. Using alcohol to excess will lead to impairment of brain functions and in more serious cases may even result in death.

Question 10

is there any safe anticonvulsant i can use when pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Depends: There are only few meds 100% safe in pregnancies. All others carry some risks. In the anticonvulsive therapy always the benefits should be weighted against the risk of neural tube defects. Discuss all these details with a maternal fetal medicine specialist.

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Anticonvulsant toxicity

A member asked:

What is the anticonvulsant mechanism of action?

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Do auras always go away when on an anticonvulsant?

A member asked:

Do auras go away when you're on an anticonvulsant?

A member asked:

How long should anticonvulsant be taken?

A member asked:

Was ethanol historically used as an anticonvulsant?

A member asked:

What are the consequences of stopping an anticonvulsant?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: anticonvulsant?

A member asked:

Has anyone ever come off anticonvulsant medication with no further episodes?

A member asked:

Does ethanol have anticonvulsant effects and can it hypothetically be used for that purpose?

A member asked:

Is there any safe anticonvulsant i can use when pregnant?

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