Epilepsy Medications
For more than 80 years, the most effective treatment for epilepsy has been anticonvulsant drugs. Medications do not cure epilepsy; they make it possible to live healthy, productive lives. Others may continue to have seizures, but less frequently.
Many antiepileptic medications come in forms, “brand either name” or“generic.” One company makes brand-name medications. However, several different companies often make generic medications.
The chemicals in both brand and generic medications are the same. However, how quickly they are absorbed from your stomach or processed by your body may differ. This may affect how much medicine you need.
If your pharmacist asks you if you would like your medicine to be a generic name or brand name, it is a good idea if you check first with your doctor.
This chart is to help you become more familiar with the medications used to help people with epilepsy.
BRAND NAME
(Generic name)
Brivaracetam
|
Cannabidiol oral solution
|
Carbamazepine
|
Carbamazepine-XR
|
Cenobamate
|
Clobazam
|
Clonazepam
|
Diazepam Nasal
|
Diazepam Rectal
|
Divalproex Sodium
|
Divalproex Sodium-ER
|
Eslicarbazepine Acetate
|
Ethosuximide
|
Felbamate
|
Fenfluramine
|
Gabapentin
|
Lacosamide
|
Lamotrigine
|
Levetiracetam
|
Levetiracetam XR
|
Lorazepam
|
Midazolam Nasal
|
Oxcarbazepine
|
Perampanel
|
Phenobarbital
|
Phenytoin
|
Pregabalin
|
Primidone
|
Rufinamide
|
Stiripentol
|
Tiagabine Hydrochloride
|
Topiramate
|
Topiramate XR
|
Valproic Acid
|
Vigabatrin
|
Zonisamide
|