subject: A Warn Against Abuse Of Anticonvulsant Drugs [print this page] Epilepsy is a mental condition characterized by recurring convulsions. Seizures are unmanageable behavior caused by changes in the brain activity. Convulsions must happen many times before one can be diagnosed with epilepsy. A single seizure episode does not mean an individual is epileptic. There are many possible causes of epilepsy but rare cases seem to leave many puzzled to the cause of the problem.
Traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer's disease, brain infections, strokes, and congenital disorders are common reasons behind epilepsy. That is why many of those who suffer from this disease are older adults and children. Symptoms of an epileptic patient vary from one case to another. Some people have uncontrolled violent shaking while others have simple staring spells. The type of seizure that occurs in a patient is mostly similar in every attack. Prior to a seizure episode, a person may feel a strange sensation which is called an aura. Sensations like strange smell, tingling or emotional changes often precede a seizure which may help warn the person and others.
Treatment for epilepsy can be through medication and surgery. Individuals who have scarred brain tissue due to traumatic injuries may be prescribed anticonvulsant medicines to manage seizure attacks. Anticonvulsant medications are considered as controlled substances and should be given under medication from a licensed doctor. Individuals who have been prescribed with this kind of drug must follow what has been advised because this type of drug has high risk of addiction. The effects of using anticonvulsant medications are similar to sedative drugs. They are considered as nervous system depressants. An example of an anticonvulsant commonly prescribed to epileptic patients are benzodiazepines. These drugs have properties that control anxiety, anticonvulsive and muscle relaxant. The dose and form of administration of these drugs depend on the prescription given by the doctor and the severity of the seizure episodes.
Physicians warn patients of the negative potential effects of prolonged use of benzodiazepines. Long term use of these medications can develop tolerance and dependence among patients. There are individuals who take the drugs at high doses far higher than what has been prescribed. There is danger for addiction when this happens. If addiction has been developed, there are drug rehabilitation programs that cater to people who have suffered addiction from prescription medication.
There are individuals who use medications for epilepsy even though they have not been diagnosed with the disease. Illicit purchase and abuse of benzodiazepines are common because many of its users are after the immediate effects of the drugs. Potential for addiction is also higher for this type of drug user. There are drug rehabilitation programs that also provide assistance and help to those who suffer from this type of drug abuse.
