Seizure medications may not pass as quickly (metabolize) through the bodies of elderly patients as they do in younger patients. As a result, elderly people may be especially likely to experience certain side effects associated with seizure medications, including confusion, unsteadiness or fatigue.

Additionally, elderly people are more likely to be taking other medications that may adversely interact with seizure medications or they may have medical conditions that can affect the way seizure medications are absorbed. This is especially true in the case of diabetes, heart failure or kidney failure.