Seizure medications are mainly used to control seizures, which are electrical disturbances in the brain that can have numerous causes. Seizure medications are also used to treat other conditions that affect the brain and nervous system, such as certain mental health problems and neuropathy. Seizure medications work by reducing excessive neuron activity in the brain that causes seizures.

There are many different types of seizure medications that are designed to treat different kinds of seizures. Some seizure medications are classed as first-line medications, which are the first choice of physicians for drugs to control seizures. When additional medications are required to control a patient’s seizures, they are called add-ons or second-line medications.  

For people with epilepsy, the goal of seizure medications is to reduce the frequency, severity and duration of seizures experienced while keeping adverse side effects to a minimum. Adverse side effects of seizure medications may include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue        

Taking medication as instructed is an essential part of treatment with seizure medications. People who alter their dosage, skip a dose or stop taking seizure medications without the supervision of a physician are more likely to experience adverse side effects as well as more frequent and severe seizures.

Pregnant women, children and elderly people should consult their physician before taking seizure medications. Women who take seizure medications while pregnant may have an increased risk of giving birth to a child with birth defects such as spina bifida. It is also important to inform a physician of any existing medical conditions that may interfere with seizure medications, including diabetes, heart problems, or liver or kidney disease.