Epistatus

[mainecoon lover]

Does anyone know how long it can take for Epistatus to work. Dd has been having it for over a year now as an emergency for her seizures. It was working with in a few minutes but now seems to be taking longer.
I wondered if she was getting to use to the drug or that her seizures were just worse.

Thanks.

[Tiggernut]

Epistatus is a benzodiazepine which, if taken too regularly, a person can become more tolerant to meaning they need more of it to have the same effect. However this is usually only if it's taken pretty much every day. If you are needing to use the Epistatus that frequently it may be that your DD's regular meds need adjusting. In normal use it should work within 10 mins - more usually 5 mins.

With my patients (I'm an epilepsy specialist nurse and nurse prescriber), I would look at adjusting the regular medication before increasing the Epistatus dose.

HTH - I'd have a chat with your DD's doctor or nurse when you next see them.

[loadsapixiedust]

DS has Epistatus and his epilepsy care plan states that if there is no effect in 5 minutes we should call an ambulance, so I'd say over 5 minutes is too long and your DD may need her care plan and meds reviewed. If she is having more frequent or longer lasting seizures then a review should also be done.

[mainecoon lover]

Thanks all.

We have been to see the doctors but they do not want to fiddle with her meds until we have been on holiday due to not knowing what the side affects if any are likley to be.
She is not having them daily, thankfully but they do seem to be getting worse.
The doctors know we are going to Florida and are quite happy.
Epi is taking between 5 to 10 minutes to work so possibly ok. Its just in the past it has been instant.

[kateallsop]

joseph's care plan says if not worked after 10 minutes, call an ambulance so that should be ok.

joseph is age 8 and 19kgs and has 10mg of midazolam in 1 ml of epistatus.

is your daughter on clobazam or clonazepam as a regular AED? as these are both benzo's as is midazolam, it could be that they are reducing the efficacy of the epistatus?

hope you have a fantastic time in florida.

[melspice]

Just got back yesterday, and thankfully did not need Ben's Epistatus. He went through a phase of seizures getting worse , but he's settled down now.His meds were increased, but think he had grown so much he needed it reviewed anyway. Epi should work within 5 mins, but if your GP says go with the flow, then do that. Have a great time! We did, and the weather was fantastic! :smile:

xxMel