Emergency epilepsy medication works by stopping or reducing seizure activity if given during a seizure. A person’s doctor may prescribe emergency medication if they have seizures that last a long time, clusters of seizures and/or if they last a long distance from medical assistance.
Emergency medication is not used as a replacement for daily AEDs. Instead emergency medication is prescribed in an effort to stop a seizure before it becomes prolonged and potentially harmful.
It’s important for anyone who has a duty of care to administer emergency medication to undertake training so that they feel confident and capable if the need arises. The Epilepsy Foundation can assist in developing Epilepsy Management Plans, Emergency Medication Management Plans and individualised training to families, carers, teachers and others in the community.