Important things to know about epilepsy medicine

• This information is aimed at prisoners with epilepsy. There is further information on the treatment of epilepsy.

Epilepsy medicine is designed to stop seizures before they happen. It doesn’t cure epilepsy. And it doesn’t stop a seizure once it’s happening.

• There are lots of different medicines for epilepsy.
• If one medicine doesn’t control seizures, another might.
• Sometimes it’s just a matter of changing the amount you take.
• Sometimes it’s necessary to change the medicine completely.
• Sometimes people might need more than one medicine.

The rules!

• Never give your epilepsy medicine to anyone else. It could be dangerous for them.
• Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking medicine for anything else.
• Take your epilepsy medicine exactly as your doctor or nurse tell you to.
• Take only the amount prescribed. Taking more than this can be dangerous.
• If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or nurse what you should do as soon as you can - don’t take double at the time for your next dose.
• Never suddenly stop taking your medicine. This could cause you to have a seizure.
• If you think your medicine is making you unwell in any way – talk to your doctor or nurse.
• If your medicine isn’t stopping you having seizures, tell your doctor or nurse. They may be able to do something about it.