What drug might be used intravenously to prevent further seizures?
Talk with your healthcare provider about your seizure action plan and whether you need a rescue medicine. Show
What are "as needed" or rescue medicines?"As needed" medicines are only given in specific situations. Some people also call them "rescue treatments."
What types of medicines can be used as a rescue treatment?The most common type of rescue medicines are from a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. These medications get into the bloodstream quickly, to start working in the brain quickly.
How do I choose the right rescue treatment for me?
When should I use my rescue medicine?Since seizure emergencies are not common, some people with epilepsy will not need to use any treatment other than their daily amount of seizure medicine. However, sometimes seizures occur in a different pattern that is more often or more severe. Several names have used to describe these patterns, such as seizure clusters and acute repetitive seizures. Stopping seizures early in these situations is the key to preventing a seizure emergency.
General situations when rescue medicines may be recommended:
Webinar RecordingRescue Therapies in Epilepsy Scott Perry MD and Patty Osborne Shafer RN, MN, talk about therapies that can be used to help ensure a seizure does not become a seizure emergency. They cover types of rescue therapies, when one is needed, how to use them, and how to talk with your doctor or nurse them. Webinar recorded on September 25, 2019 Learn More
Authored By: Matthew Hoerth MD Patty Obsorne Shafer RN, MN on Sunday, April 14, 2019 Reviewed By: Elaine Wirrell MD on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 Previous When to Wean Children Off Medications After Surgery Next Nasal Rescue Medicines ResourcesEpilepsy CentersEpilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options. > Epilepsy MedicationFind in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor. > Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 HelplineCall our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online. > Tools & FormsDownload our seizure tracking app, print out seizure action plans, or explore other educational materials. What IV drug is used for seizures?Intravenous or intramuscular formulations of lorazepam, diazepam, midazolam, and clonazepam are typically used as the initial treatment agents in seizure emergencies.
What class of drugs would be used to prevent seizures?Benzodiazepines are used as anti-seizure drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers and muscle relaxants. Benzodiazepines increase the effectiveness of GABA, the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter. Clonazepam is more long-acting against seizures than are diazepam or lorazepam.
What medication may be administered IV to assist in reducing status epilepticus seizure activity?Valproate — Intravenous valproate is increasingly used in the treatment of status epilepticus. It is preferred over phenytoin in patients with primary generalized epilepsies, although these patients represent a relatively small proportion of those with GCSE.
Is there an injection to stop a seizure?Drug delivery into muscle using an autoinjector—akin to the EpiPen used to treat serious allergic reactions—can be a fast, effective way to stop prolonged epileptic seizures.
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