MEDICATION GUIDELINES FOR SEIZURE PATIENTS
Medications that MAY be taken:
For pain: Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (such as Advil, Nuprin, Medipren, Motrin)
For colds: Coughs- guaifenesin/dextramethorphan (Robitussin DM, Mucinex)
Stuffy nose due to colds and allergies:
Decongestant – pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
Afrin nasal spray, normal saline nasal spray
Non-sedating antihistamines - Claritin®, Zyrtec®
Patients taking CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol), PHENYTOIN (Dilantin) and PHENOBARBITAL should contact EINC prior to starting any new prescription medications. In particular, these drugs may reduce the effectiveness of BIRTH CONTROL pills and THEOPHYLLINE (Theo-Dur, Bronkodyl, Elixophyllin,Slo-bed, Slo-phyllin), which is a medication used for the prevention and treatment of wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing due to asthma, COPD and other diseases of the lungs.
PATIENTS ON THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS MUST ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:
CARBAMAZEPINE (Tegretol) – Avoid and consult our office about the following medications:
CIMITEDINE (Tagement) – ulcer medication
PROPOXYPHENE (Darvon, Wygesic,Darvocet, Percocet) – pain medications
ERYTHROMYCIN (E-Mycin, EES) – antibiotics
CLARITHROMYCIN (Biaxin) – antibiotic
AZITHROMYCIN (Zithromax) – antibiotic
ISONIAZID (INH) – tuberculosis
VERAPAMIL (Calan, Calan SR, Isoptin, Verelan) – calcium channel blocker for hypertension
DILTIAZEM (Cardizem, Cardizem CD) – calcium channel blocker for hypertension and angina
FLUOXETINE (Prozac) - depression
PHENYTOIN (Dilantin) – Avoid and consult our office about the following medications:
FLUCONAZOLE (Diflucan) – anti fungal agent
CIMETIDINE (Tagament) – ulcer medication
ISONIAZID (INH) – tuberculosis
VERAPAMIL (Calan, Calan SR, Isoptin, Verelan) – calcium channel blocker for hypertension
DILTIAZEM (Cardizem, Cardizem CD) – calcium channel blocker for hypertension and angina
VALPORIC ACID (Depakene and Depakote) AVOID THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS
ASPIRIN (Bayer, Ecotrin, Ascriptin)
PEPTO-BISMOL
ACETAZOLAMIDE (Diamox) AVOID THE FOLLOWING MEDICATIONS
ASPIRIN (Bayer, Ecotrin, Ascriptin)
PEPTO-BISMOL
CERTAIN MEDICATIONS MAY INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF HAVING A SEIZURE. THESE INCLUDE MOST ANTIHISTAMINES, CERTAIN ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICAITONS AND ALCOHOL. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL THE EPILEPSY INSTITUTE OF NORTH CAROLINA AT (336) 659-8202.