What's available, what to avoid, and coverage
Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant commonly used as a first-line treatment in Dravet Syndrome.
Benzodiazepine commonly used as an add-on therapy for Dravet Syndrome seizures.
Dravet-specific anticonvulsant used in combination with clobazam and valproic acid.
Pharmaceutical-grade CBD approved for seizure reduction in Dravet Syndrome.
A newer Dravet-specific medication.
Anticonvulsant sometimes used as add-on therapy in Dravet Syndrome.
Widely used anticonvulsant that can be used as part of a Dravet treatment plan.
Related to levetiracetam but may have fewer behavioural side effects in some patients.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor sometimes used as add-on therapy for seizure management.
Benzodiazepine that may be used for seizure management in Dravet Syndrome.
Sodium channel blockers can worsen Dravet seizures. This is a list of sodium channel blockers. Always inform and consult ER staff.
Fast-acting rescue medication sprayed into the nose during prolonged seizures.
Rescue medication administered rectally using pre-measured syringes.
Rescue medication available as sublingual (under the tongue), oral, or injectable (hospital).
Injectable rescue medication for prolonged seizures. Training needed to administer.
Used in hospital to stop status epilepticus (prolonged seizures that don't stop).
Used in hospital as a loading dose for seizure control during status epilepticus.
Intravenous form of valproic acid used in hospital for status epilepticus.
Barbiturate used in hospital as a last-line treatment for refractory status epilepticus.
A high-fat, very low-carbohydrate medical diet that can help reduce seizures. Must be medically supervised.
A less restrictive version of the ketogenic diet. Still requires dietitian oversight.
An implanted device that sends electrical pulses to the brain to help reduce seizures.
A common seizure trigger in Dravet Syndrome. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can be rotated.
How to find clinical trials recruiting in Canada for Dravet Syndrome.
Covers children and youth under 25 for medications on the ODB Formulary at no cost.
Provides Ontario Drug Benefit coverage for drugs not on the standard ODB Formulary.
Allows doctors to request access to drugs not yet approved for sale in Canada.
Helps people with high prescription drug costs relative to income.