A newly diagnosed seizure disorder patient is being prepared for discharge. Which medication is commonly prescribed to prevent recurrent seizures?

• A. Selegiline (Eldepryl)
• B. Gabapentin (Neurontin)
• C. Haloperidol (Haldol)
• D. Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Answer: (B)

Preventing future seizures after a new diagnosis relies on starting maintenance anticonvulsant therapy. Gabapentin fits this role well because it is an anticonvulsant that is generally well tolerated, has fewer drug interactions, and is effective for preventing recurrent seizures across common types such as partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

The other options are not used for seizure prevention: Selegiline is a Parkinson’s disease medication (MAO-B inhibitor) and not an antiseizure drug; Haloperidol is an antipsychotic that can actually lower the seizure threshold at times and is not indicated for seizure prevention; Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid for inflammation and edema, not for controlling seizures.

Thus, gabapentin is the best choice for preventing recurrent seizures at discharge.