Seizures are sudden and scary, but knowing what to do helps. If someone has a seizure, keep calm. Time the seizure. Move sharp objects away. Cushion the head. Do not put anything in their mouth. Turn them onto their side after jerking stops so they can breathe. Stay with them until fully alert. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than five minutes, if another seizure follows immediately, if the person is injured, pregnant, or has diabetes, or if they don’t wake.
Emergency care usually starts with a fast-acting benzodiazepine like lorazepam or diazepam to stop prolonged seizures. In the hospital, doctors may use IV antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) if benzodiazepines fail. Status epilepticus — a seizure lasting over five minutes or many seizures without recovery — is a life‑threatening emergency that needs rapid treatment.
For ongoing seizure control doctors choose among several AEDs based on seizure type, age, side effects, and other medicines you take. Common options include:
Stick with your prescribed dose. Missing doses raises the risk of breakthrough seizures. Ask your clinician how to taper safely if you stop a medicine. Some AEDs require regular blood tests to check levels, liver, or blood counts. Keep a list of all drugs and supplements you take; many interactions change effectiveness or increase side effects.
Lifestyle changes matter. Poor sleep, heavy alcohol use, stress, and missed medications are common seizure triggers. Track your seizures and possible triggers in a simple diary or app. That helps your doctor adjust treatment.
Thinking about pregnancy? Talk to your neurologist before trying to conceive. Some seizure medicines raise the risk of birth defects; others are safer. Your doctor can balance seizure control with fetal safety and may adjust doses or switch medicines.
Buying seizure medicines online? Be cautious. Use accredited pharmacies and avoid sites that don’t require a prescription. Check for clear contact info, licensing, and reviews. If a price seems too good, it may be counterfeit.
If seizures change in pattern, become more frequent, or don’t respond to two appropriate AEDs, ask about a specialist referral. Epilepsy centers can offer EEG monitoring, imaging, dietary therapies, neuromodulation, or surgery options.
Keep emergency contacts visible, wear medical ID if needed, and build a safety plan for work or school. With the right care and practical steps, most people with seizures can live active, safe lives.
Driving and daily limits matter. Tell your licensing authority if your seizures are uncontrolled — rules vary by state or country. Work with your doctor on a written seizure action plan for family, school, or workplace. Learn CPR and keep rescue medication available.
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