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Neuro Disorders

Common Neuro Disorder Medication: Everything You Need To Know

April 24, 2023

Neurological disorders impact over 100 million Americans. Treatment for neuro disorders depends on what the condition is and a number of other factors. Therefore, there are a lot of neuro disorder medication options available. Read on to learn more about common medications for neurological disorders and what they treat.

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Neurological disorders affect the central and peripheral nervous system due to structural or biochemical irregularities. The specific causes are varied but can include genetic disorders, infections, and congenital abnormalities. Symptoms can manifest physically or emotionally, resulting in seizures, muscle weakness, stress, anxiety, depression, and more.

According to the American Neurological Association, nearly 100 million Americans are afflicted by at least one neurological condition. Most of these diseases have no definite cure, but medication can be taken to control symptoms and delay the ailment's progression.

There are many different types of neuro disorder medication so it is important to be knowledgeable about the medication prescribed to you. Learn more about common neuro disorder medications below.

Common Neuro Disorders and Neuro Disorder Medication

There are many steps before doctors prescribe the best medicine for neuro disorders. Patients must undergo an extensive examination to assess their motor, sensory, speech, and hearing skills. In addition, their vision, balance, and coordination are also tested. The result of this assessment and the patient's medical history will determine a list of possible diagnoses and what treatment the patient requires.

Below, we discuss the most common neurological disorders and outline the medication commonly prescribed.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. A seizure is an abrupt change in regular brain activity that causes uncontrollable body movements and loss of awareness or consciousness.

Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the most common prescription to treat the disorder. The following are the most common neuro disorder medication for people with epilepsy:

Generic Name Examples of Brand Names
Lamotrigine Lamictal®
Topiramate Topamax®, Qudexy XR®, Trokendi XR®
Carbamazepine, Epitol Tegretol®, Equetro®, Carbatrol®
Levetiracetam Keppra®, Spritam®
Pregabalin Lyrica®
Phenytoin Dilantin®, Phenytek®
Gabapentin Neurontin®

Migraine

A migraine is a moderate to severe headache on one side of the head. The pain can last for days, causing the patient to experience tiredness, visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, numbness, and temporary loss of vision. The most common way to treat migraine attacks is by prescribing painkillers, but additional drugs might be recommended to combat other symptoms.

Generic Name Examples of Brand Names
Acetaminophen Excedrin®, Tylenol®
Aspirin Aspro Clear®, Disprin®
Cataflam Diclofenac®
Ibuprofen Advil®, Motrin®
Ketorolac Toradol®
Naproxen Aleve®

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disorder that causes many symptoms, including difficulties with movement and balance. The cause of MS is still unknown, but it is considered an immune-mediated disease where the person's immune system attacks the body's tissues. Over time, this destroys the substances that coat and protect nerve fibers in the spinal cord and brain.

Depending on the severity of the illness, the symptoms can come and go or steadily get worse as more time passes. Unfortunately, there is no lasting cure for MS, but medication is prescribed to modify the course of the disease and treat relapses.

The doctor determines the best medicine for neuro disorders, like MS, depending on the severity of the condition. Here are the usual prescriptions:

Generic Name Examples of Brand Names
Fingolimod Gilenya®
Dimethyl fumarate Tecfidera®
Cladribine Mavenclad®
Ozanimod Zeposia®
Monomethyl fumarate Bafiertam®
Ponesimod Ponvory®
Teriflunomide Aubagio®
Siponimod Mayzent®

Alzheimer’s Disease

Another widespread neurological disorder is Alzheimer's Disease, which is a progressive ailment involving the part of the brain that controls thought, language and memory. It is the most common type of dementia that affects approximately 5.8 million Americans. Symptoms typically first manifest after age 60 and progressively worsen with age. Just like many neurological diseases, there is no definite cure for Alzheimer's, but there are medications that delay its progression and manage symptoms.

Generic Name Examples of Brand Names
Aducanumab Aduhelm®
Donepezil Aricept®
Rivastigmine Exelon®
Galantamine Razadyne®
Memantine Namenda®
Suvorexant Belsomra®

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable movements and difficulties with coordination and balance. Patients may also exhibit behavioral and mental changes, memory problems, fatigue, and depression. The rate of progression differs depending on the individual.

Neuro disorder medication is used to treat the condition. A specific treatment plan is developed for every patient according to their age, health, medical history, and the extent of the disease. Here are the most common prescriptions for Parkinson's disease:

Generic Name Examples of Brand Names
Pramipexole Mirapex®
Ropinirole Requip®
Transdermal Rotigotine Neupro®
Apomorphine (injected) Apokyn®
Procyclidine Kemadrin®

Importance of Getting the Best Neuro Disorder Medication

Neurological disorders are alarming because most conditions don't have a lasting cure. The only way patients can get better is to take their prescribed medication to manage their symptoms and delay the course of the disease. Unfortunately, medication non-adherence is becoming increasingly common, partly due to the rising prices of prescription medications.

People with neurological conditions often have complex regimens, which involve taking drugs multiple times a day. Failing to stick to the medication schedule leads to extensive physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences.

Thankfully prescription savings programs, like Inside Rx, offer discount cards to help patients manage the cost of their treatment by allowing them to purchase drugs at a lower price.

The Inside Rx prescription discount card works like a manufacturer coupon to save on the cost of prescription medication at your local pharmacy.

Lamotrigine

$ 8.62
Tablet, 25 Mg
30 Tablets
Get Savings Card

Gabapentin

$ 8.49
Capsule, 100 Mg
30 Capsules
Get Savings Card

Levetiracetam

$ 8.62 Get Savings Card