’As needed’ medicines are medicines that are given only if needed for specific situations. They generally start working in the brain quickly and can be used as a form of ‘rescue’ from seizure activity. In other words, they provide a way to stop seizures quickly to prevent emergency situations. These medicines do NOT take the place of daily seizure medicines. They are prescribed by a doctor or prescribing health care professional for people who are also taking daily seizure medicine. When ‘as needed’ medicines are prescribed for use outside of a hospital, the intent is to stop seizures before an emergency develops and hopefully prevent you from having to go to an emergency room. However, rescue medicines do NOT take the place of emergency medical care. If a true medical emergency develops, emergency medical help should be obtained right away.

• ‘As needed’ rescue meds do NOT take the place of daily seizure medicine.
• ‘As needed’ rescue meds do NOT take the place of emergency medical care.

Continue to When to Use 'As Needed' Medicines

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed:5/25/07