Examples
|
| clonazepam | Klonopin |
| clorazepate | Tranxene |
| diazepam | Diastat, Valium |
| lorazepam | Ativan |
| midazolam | |
Clonazepam is the most commonly used benzodiazepine for
long-term treatment of
epilepsy. It is
available in tablet form.
Diazepam and lorazepam are given in a
vein (intravenous, or IV) for the treatment of prolonged
seizures or
status epilepticus. Diazepam is also available in a
gel form that can be injected into the rectum by a caregiver during
clusters of seizures (acute repetitive seizures).
These medicines
are used in infants and children but with careful dosage adjustments based on
weight and age.
How It Works
Benzodiazepines are minor tranquilizers
(sedatives) that prevent or stop seizures by slowing down the central nervous
system. This makes abnormal electrical activity less likely.
Why It Is Used
Clonazepam may be used to
treat:
IV diazepam and lorazepam are often used to treat prolonged
seizures or status epilepticus. Diazepam may
be used during short periods of increased, repeated, or prolonged seizures
(acute repetitive seizures) in people who are taking other antiseizure drugs
for long-term treatment.
How Well It Works
In general, benzodiazepines are not
usually the first choice for long-term treatment of epilepsy. Although
clonazepam or clorazepate may be quite helpful for a few people, most people do
not respond very well to them over the long term.
But occasional
use of diazepam to treat seizures can be very effective. Treatment with rectal
diazepam within 15 minutes of the beginning of a prolonged
seizure or a series of seizures usually ends the seizure activity.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of
benzodiazepines include:
- Drowsiness or sedation.
- Loss of
muscle coordination.
- Behavior changes (nervousness, confusion,
aggression).
- Loss of appetite.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a
warning on clonazepam (Klonopin) and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
The FDA does not recommend that people stop using this medicine. Instead,
people who take clonazepam should be watched closely for
warning signs of suicide. People who take clonazepam
and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is
not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
It may take time and careful,
controlled adjustments by you and your doctor to find the combination,
schedule, and dosing of medicine to best manage your epilepsy. The goal is to
prevent seizures while causing as few side effects as possible. After
you and your doctor figure out the medicine program that works best for you, make sure to follow your program exactly as prescribed.
- Adverse effects. Benzodiazepines are central
nervous system depressants, which means that they can slow down your thinking,
judgment, and motor skills. These effects are usually not severe, but they are
a major drawback for some people.
- Drug interactions. Many medicines for epilepsy can
interact with other medicines you may be taking. This means that your epilepsy
medicine may not work as well or it may affect the way another medicine you
are taking works. Some of these interactions can be dangerous. It is important
to tell your doctor about all the medicines, herbal pills, and dietary
supplements you are taking.
- Risks associated with long-term use. Long-term use
of benzodiazepines can sometimes lead to physical and psychological dependence
on the drug (addiction). Use of benzodiazepines may decrease seizures at first. But some people begin to have seizures again after using the drug for weeks or
months (tolerance). To control their seizures, they have to increase the dose,
which tends to increase side effects. Sudden withdrawal of the drug can cause
you to go into status epilepticus or may make your epilepsy worse.
- Risk of birth defects. All medicines for epilepsy
have some risk of birth defects. But the risk of birth defects needs to be
carefully compared to other risks to the baby if the mother stops taking her
epilepsy medicine. If you are thinking about becoming pregnant, be sure to plan ahead and talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking
epilepsy medicine during your pregnancy. It you are already pregnant, it is not
too late. The best thing to do is talk to your doctor about your pregnancy
before you make any changes to the medicines you are taking.
- Ease of use. For children or adults who have
occasional clusters of seizures (acute repetitive seizures) despite long-term
drug therapy, rectal diazepam may be a good choice for treating them
at home. It usually stops the series of seizures quickly, and family members
can treat the person at home safely and easily. Ending these types of
repetitive seizures can prevent status epilepticus and other problems
associated with prolonged seizures and can help families avoid emergency room
visits when a family member has a long history of acute repetitive
seizures.
- Other concerns. While taking benzodiazepines,
avoid alcohol or any other drugs that are central nervous system
depressants.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology |
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| Last Revised | October 15, 2009 |
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Seton is proud to have four hospitals – the only hospitals in Central Texas - that have earned the Magnet designation, the highest award for nursing excellence given by the American Nurses Association.