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Seizure Medications

Also called: Epilepsy Medications, Anti Seizure Medication, Anti Epileptic Medication

- Summary
- About seizure medications
- Types and differences
- Conditions treated
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Lifestyle considerations
- Symptoms of medication overdose
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Elderly use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Andrew Biondo, D.O.

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Conditions of concern with seizure medications

Patients are advised to consult their physician about whether seizure medications are appropriate for them if they have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions:

Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Anemia
Allergies to components of seizure medications

Potential side effects of seizure medications

Common side effects of seizure medications may include:

Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Irritability
Clumsiness
Drowsiness
Fatigue

The following seizure medications may have additional side effects, including:

Drug	Side Effect(s)
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)	Weight gain Fluid retention High blood pressure
valproate (Depakene)	Increased appetite and weight gain Temporary hair loss Liver toxicity
acetazolamide (Diamox)	Loss of appetite Lethargy Kidney stones
phenytoin (Dialantin)	Difficulty concentrating Slow motor speed Gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia) Excessive hair growth Coarsening of facial features
felbamate (Felbatol)	Aplastic anemia Reduced blood counts Liver failure Sleep disturbances Loss of appetite Constipation
tiagabine (Gabitril)	Sedation Nervousness Difficult concentrating Tremors
levetiracetam (Keppra)	Increased risk of infection Behavioral disturbance
clonazepam (Klonopin)	Slurred speech Double vision Behavioral changes Depression
lamotrigine (Lamictal)	Severe rash Double vision Sun sensitivity
pregabalin (Lyrica)	Weight gain Swelling of hands and feet Dry mouth
phenobarbital	Hyperactivity in children
topiramate (Topamax)	Cognitive, speech and language problems Tingling in face and extremities Weight loss Kidney stones Acute angle glaucoma
clorazepate (Traxene)	Depression
ethosuximide (Zarontin)	Hiccups Insomnia