Side Effects of Medications for Epilepsy & Seizures
Seizures are uncontrolled electrical "misfires" within the brain that present in any number of ways, included shaking, twitching, drooling, losing consciousness and having a dazed look. There are many causes of epilepsy and seizures, and just as many medications to treat them. As with all prescription drugs, there are some side effects associated with anti-seizure medications.
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Anti-Seizure Medications
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Because these medications work by altering certain brain activity and nerve responses, they can also affect other parts of the brain, specifically those that govern behaviors. In general, mood disorders are common side effects, and can include anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression, mood swings and suicidal thoughts.
Caregivers and family members should pay close attention to the behavior of patients on anti-convulsants, a broad range of drugs used to prevent and treat epileptic and other seizures. Also, there are many drug interactions---including some that are life-threatening---with other medications, so it's critical to alert your physician to any other medications you are taking.
Tegretol
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Tegretol (carbamazepine) is a commonly prescribed anti-seizure medication. Its most frequently reported side effects are anxiety and agitation, particularly if the patient was already exhibiting this behavior before the onset of treatment.
Neurontin
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Neurontin (gabapentin) is an anti-convulsant that is also used to treat certain types of nerve pain. Side effects can include mood changes, including irritability, aggressive behavior, hyperactivity, depression and suicidal thoughts. Patients with heart, liver or kidney disease should be particularly cautious. It has not been established whether Neurontin is harmful to fetal development, so consult your physician if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Lamictal
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Lamictal is prescribed to treat seizures in adults and children over the age of 2. Patients taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) may experience decreased or increased irritability, hyperactivity and aggressive behavior. Lamictal can also cause a severe or life-threatening skin rash, especially in children and in people who are allergic to other seizure medications. Contact emergency-medical personnel if you experience fever, a sore throat, swollen glands, and a headache accompanied by a severe skin rash. Women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant should consult their physician, as taking Lamictal during early pregnancy can increase the fetal risk of a cleft lip or cleft palate.
Phenobarbital
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According to the NYU Medical Center, this barbiturate is commonly associated with behavioral side effects, including depression, anxiety, aggression and sometimes hyperactivity in children. Moreover, contact your doctor or another health-care professional immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: seizures, sore throat, easy bruising, a bloody nose, unusual bleeding, fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a severe skin rash.
Depakote
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Depakote (divalproex sodium) can cause serious---or even lethal---liver damage, particularly during the first six months of treatment, so it is essential that your doctor monitors you closely. Other side effects include the usual host of mood disorders, along with abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, easy bruising, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, memory loss, nausea and vomiting, tremors and vision problems.
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