What Medicines Can Cause Seizures?

According to Robert S. Fisher, Ph.D, and Editor-In-Chief of Epilepsy.com, different medications, ranging from anti-depressants to anti-epileptic medications may provoke seizures. The Epilepsy Health and Hope organization cautions patients to take their medications exactly as instructed to avoid any drug interactions or other problems.

Withdrawal Effects

• Dr. Fisher states that certain psychiatric and sleep medications, such as Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Lunesta may provoke a seizure when patients struggle with the withdrawal symptoms of quitting a medicine very suddenly.

Herbal Remedies

• According to the health section of the Oregonian Newspaper, ginkgo biloba supplements may provoke seizures because ginkgotoxin, a chemical in the leaves, triggers seizures and interferes with anti-seizure medication. Steven C. Schachter, M.D. and member of the Epilepsy Foundation Advisory Board, adds that St. John's Wort lower's patients' blood levels while on the anti-seizure drug carbamazepine.

Anti-Epileptic Drugs

• Dr. Barbara Koppel, M.D. in Neurology states that carbamazepine may worsen childhood petit mal or absence seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a childhood disorder, marked by mental retardation and multiple seizures that do not respond well to treatment. She adds that phenobarbital may also trigger tonic seizures that occur with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Risk Factors

• Dr. Koppel states that patients taking high doses of anti-seizure medication may worsen their chances of provoking a seizure, acquiring brain damage or an erratic EEG activity pattern.

Alcohol

• Drinking alcohol can affect the effectiveness of your anti-seizure medications, making you tired and dizzy. The Epilepsy Foundation states that drinking an excess amount of alcohol quickly heightens the risk of experiencing of a "withdrawal seizure" six to 72 hours after you stop drinking.