Types of Seizure Medication

The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that seizures, a neurological condition, manifest themselves in twitching and shaking in the body. Seizures occur for various reasons, such as epilepsy, medical conditions like fevers or environmental factors. Seizures range from mild shaking episodes to severe, violent convulsions. Doctors prescribe different types of seizure medications to treat people suffering from these conditions. The types of seizure medications used to treat them cause side effects in some people; however, these side effects usually go away once the body becomes accustomed to the medication. If these side effects persist, though, patients require medical intervention.

Ativan

• The Epilepsy Foundation states that Ativan, also sold under the generic name Lorazepam, is a type of seizure medication used to treat epilepsy, other types of seizures and anxiety. Doctors prescribe this medication in tablet form and, because it is habit-forming, they recommend small doses of this medication, taken one to four times a day. Ativan should not be taken for more than four months because it is highly addictive.

Phenobarbital

• Phenobarbital is one of the oldest types of seizure medications prescribed by doctors. Doctors prescribe this drug in capsule, tablet and syrup form. Both adults and children take this anti-seizure drug. Because it stays in the system for a long time, people only take this medication once a day. It can be taken with or without food. This seizure medication should be taken close to bedtime as it causes drowsiness.

Lamictal

• The Epilepsy Foundation describes Lamictal as a seizure medication that treats partial or generalized seizures from unknown sources in adults and children. Doctors prescribe these medications as tablets that can be chewed or dissolved in liquids. Patients start with low doses and gradually increase milligrams. Rare side effects include rashes, dizziness and insomnia.

Depakote Extended Release

• Doctors prescribe Depakote ER to treat partial and generalized types of seizures. This type of seizure medication helps people 10 years of age and older control their seizure episodes. Oral medication should be taken whole; doctors don't recommend crushing or chewing this medication. Common side effects include vomiting, weight gain, depression in adults and irritability in children. Depakote causes thin bones, ankle swelling, liver damage and menstrual irregularity when taken for a long time.

Mysoline

• The Epilepsy Foundation says that Mysoline, taken in tablet and liquid form, treats partial seizures and major seizure. This type of seizure medication should be swallowed whole with or without food, depending on how patients' stomachs react to the medication. Patients shake liquid before taking doses prescribed by doctors. This type of seizure medication produces practically no side effects; however, on rare occasions, people get severe rashes and experience allergic reactions that require medical intervention.