Antiepileptic Side Effects

Epilepsy is a term used for a group of disorders that cause disturbances in the electrical signaling in the brain. Seizures occur when these electrical signals short circuit, causing changes in consciousness or involuntary body movements. Antiepileptic medications are used to attempt to control these electrical disturbances within the brain. Antiepileptic medications can interfere with the actions of other medications.

• A number of medications are available to treat epilepsy

Carbmazepine and Chlonazepam

• Carbmazepine is often used against grand mal seizures. Side effects include headache, dizziness, sleepiness, double vision and upset stomach. These side effects often subside within a few weeks, however.

  Clonazepam is often used when other medications fail to be effective. About half of patients who take it experience drowsiness. About one third experience balance problems. A third of patients who take it experience mood changes such as irritability. Children may become hyperactive while taking Clonazepam.

Phenobarbital, Primidone and Valproate

• Phenobarbital is an older medication that has been in use for many years that can produce side effects of drowsiness, rash, changes in behavior and learning difficulties.

  Primidone is used much like phenobarbital, though it may not be as effective in some patients. Side effects include fatigue, dizziness, slurred speech, rash, unusual hair growth and bone thinning with extended use.

  Valproate is the most common drug used to treat all types of seizures. Side effects include tremor, stomach problems, hair loss, blood disorders and liver problems. Side effects generally disappear after the first few weeks.

Ethosuximide and Phenytoin

• Ethosuximide is used for petit mal seizures, and is effective in controlling them in 90 percent of the patients who take it, and can stop them altogether in about 60 percent of patients. Side effects include lethargy, dizziness, clumsiness and stomach problems.

  Phenytoin has been effective in treating grand mal seizures, and simple and complex partial seizures. At high doses it can cause drowsiness, nausea, staggering, unusual body hair growth and shrinking gums.

Felbatol and Gabitril

• Felbatol is a newer medication used for treating epilepsy with side effects such as headache, nausea, sleep problems, weight loss, fatigue, bleeding and liver problems.

  Often used as an add-on therapy to assist in controlling seizures, Gabritril can produce side effects such as headache, fatigue, nervousness, dizziness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and tremor.

Lyrica and Keppra

• Lyrica is a new medication used to treat epileptic seizures with side effects that include muscle pain, swelling of hands or feet, bruising, dizziness, rash and stomach problems. Care must be taken when stopping the use of Lyrica because of the risk of increased seizure frequency.

  Keppra is an antiepileptic medication that is generally well-tolerated but may have side effects that include weakness, drowsiness, accidental injury, stomach problems, nasal problems, nervousness, numbness, bruising, memory loss, flu-like symptoms and sore throat.