That’s Sick!

Sickness and epilepsy are not friends. During cold and flu season, it’s important to have a plan in place in case you get sick. Managing sickness with epilepsy is different from someone with the same sickness but doesn’t have epilepsy. What happens if you throw up your medication? Managing your epilepsy just became an even bigger issue. (who would think that’s possible!) Sticking to a consistent medication schedule is essential to management. It may seem natural to just take an extra dose of your medication, but that could potentially be very dangerous. If you vomit immediately after taking the medication (within a couple of minutes), it is PROBABLY safe to redose. However, always check with your neurologist first. Some anti-seizure medications can cause serious side effects. Excessive intake may lead to breathing issues. You might also experience heart rate changes, double vision, fatigue, and inability to walk. Your neurologist will determine medications half-life (time taken for drug concentration or active ingredient to decrease by 50% ). The drug’s release type, whether immediate or sustained, along with other factors will determine if skipping an extra dose is better. When speaking with neurologist, be sure to tell them how much time has passed between swallowing medication and vomiting. This information will be of tremendous importance in deciding whether to take another dose or not. Remember that vomiting not only affects your AED’s but also can lead to seizure triggers like dehydration. The stress of sickness and inability to take many OTC medications due to epilepsy can also be seizure triggers. You should have a strategy ready before you get sick. Being prepared helps you manage vomiting and other potential triggers. Get plenty of rest and fluids. Put your doctors number in your phone and always get his/her opinion before redosing. Stay safe, and be smart!