A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.
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.
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.
Information about Seizure Medicine Levels in Blood Test
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
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.
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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