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Anticonvulsants & Emotional Disorders

Also called: Anticonvulsant Drugs, Anticonvulsant Medications

- Summary
- About anticonvulsants
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Symptoms of overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Steven A. King, M.D.
Tahir Tellioglu, M.D., APA, AAAP

Symptoms of anticonvulsant overdose

Symptoms of overdose can be similar to the medication’s side effects, but are usually more severe. Overdose of anticonvulsants is dangerous and can lead to coma or death. Common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Over- or underactive reflexes
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Regular monitoring of blood levels can help prevent anticonvulsants from building up to toxic levels. Blood levels may be monitored for the first month, and every one to three months thereafter.

Drug

Symptoms of Overdose

carbamazepine

Cardiac or neurologic problems

divalproex

Sleepiness, coma

lamotrigine

Dizziness, drowsiness, increased seizures

gabapentin

Double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness

tiagabine

Somnolence, impaired speech and consciousness

topiramate

Convulsions, drowsiness, blurred or double vision

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Review Date: 06-06-2007
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