Recurrent Seizure (Adult)

You have had another seizure today. A common cause of seizures that keep happening (recurrent seizures) is missing doses of seizure medicine. Sometimes seizures are hard to control even when you take the medicine correctly. If this is the case for you, your healthcare provider may need to increase your dosage. You may need to add or change to another medicine.

Home care

Follow these tips when caring for yourself at home.

• Seizures are not predictable. Avoid doing anything that might cause danger to you or other people if you have another seizure. Until the seizures are under control, take these precautions:
  • Do not drive, ride a motorcycle, or ride a bike.
  • Do not operate dangerous equipment such as power tools
  • Take showers instead of baths.
  • Do not swim or climb ladders, trees, or roofs.
• Tell your close friends and relatives about your seizure. Teach them what to do for you if it happens again.
• If medicine was prescribed to prevent seizures, take it exactly as directed. It does not work when taken "as needed." Missing doses will increase the risk of having another seizure.
• If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Restart the medicine at your next scheduled time.
• If you have any questions on what to do if you forget to take your medicine, call your healthcare provider. 
• Wear a "Medic-Alert" bracelet to let emergency personnel know about your condition.
• Follow a regular sleep schedule so that you get about 6 to 8 hours of restful sleep every night. This is especially important when you are sick with a cold or flu and/or another type of infection.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs can cause you to have more seizures. Ask your doctor if you are allowed to drink any alcohol at all.

For future seizures, if you are alone:

• If you feel a seizure coming on, lie down on a bed or on the floor with something soft under your head.  This will keep you from falling.
• Lie on your left side, not on your back.  This will let fluid drain out of your mouth and prevent choking.
• Be sure you are clear of any objects that might injure you during the seizure. Call for help if there is time.

For future seizures, if someone is with you:

• The person should help you get into a safe position and call for help.
• The person should not try to force anything in your mouth once the seizure begins. This could harm your teeth or jaw.
• After a seizure, you may be drowsy or confused. The person should stay with you until you are fully awake.
• The person should not offer you anything to eat or drink during that time.
• Call 911 or go to the emergency department so that you can be looked at.

Follow-up care

• Follow up with your healthcare provider.
• Keep a seizure calendar to record how often you have a seizure.
• If you are being started on anti-seizure medicine and are on birth control pills, make sure you speak with your healthcare provider as some of the birth control pills are not effective when taken with anti-seizure medication.
• Your birth control pill may need to be adjusted or changed or you may need to change birth control methods as you could become pregnant.  Use additional birth control protection methods until you speak with your healthcare provider.
• Do not drink alcohol until your doctor tells you it is okay.
• Do not ever use recreational drugs. 

Note: For the safety of yourself and others on the road, certain states require that the treating healthcare provider tell the Public Health Department about any adult who is treated for a seizure and is at risk of more seizures. In this case, the department of motor vehicles will be told. A restriction will be put on your driver’s license until a doctor gives you medical clearance to drive again. Contact your healthcare provider to find out if your state requires the reporting of patients with a seizure condition. For more information, see the Epilepsy Foundation website at www.epilepsy.com/driving-laws.

© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This information has been modified by your health care provider with permission from the publisher.