Why is a seizure medicine blood level test done?
Seizure medicines are usually monitored because:
- At a low blood level, they don't control seizures as well as they should.
- At a high blood level, they may cause problems.
Your doctor may use your test results to adjust your dose.
You may need testing when you take a seizure medicine such as:
- Carbamazepine.
- Clozapine.
- Levetiracetam.
- Phenobarbital.
- Phenytoin.
- Valproic acid.
When these medicines are used to treat bipolar disorder, nerve pain, or migraine headaches, testing for low levels isn't as common as for seizures.
How is a seizure medicine blood level test done?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How do you prepare for a seizure medicine blood level test?
Depending on which medicine you take, your doctor may schedule your test at a certain time of day. For example, your test may be done right before you take a dose of medicine.
What do the results of a seizure medicine blood level test mean?
A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you're taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.
The medicine blood level is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors to help decide whether you are taking the right amount of medicine.
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