Side Effects of Antiepileptic and Anticonvulsive Medications

There are several anticonvulsive and antiepileptic drugs , however usage of the medications often relies on different indications and the severity of the side effects the drugs may cause the patient.

Tegretol is a medication that is indicated by generalized tonic - clonic simple or complex partial. Side effects with the medication include dry mouth, leukoplakia, stomach upset and drowsiness. In the majority of patients people will experience medication side effects with the initial doses however side effects normally subside within 4 to 14 days.

Klonopin or Clonazepam is a well known medication that is indicated by absence seizures, generalized tonic -clonic, myoclonic simple or complex partial. Side effects with Klonopin include vision problems, drowsiness, increased salivation, behavioral changes and bone marrow problems. If your taking Klonopin you should have periodic liver functioning tests, blood counts and be monitored for lethargy issues and significant changes in mood.

Zarontin is indicated by absence seizures and myoclonic. Side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, bone marrow problems and anorexia issues. This medication should be used with applied caution with any type of renal or hepatic medical disease.

Luminol or Phenobarbital is indicated by generalized tonic - clonic, myoclonic, simple or complex partial. Side effects of Luminol include sleep problems, drowsiness, mood changes, respiratory and cardiac depression, headaches and restlessness. Alcohol can enhance the medication side effects and should not be used when taking the medication. Monitoring of blood levels of the medication should be done, as well as liver function testing.

Dilantin is indicated for use by generalized tonic - clonic, simple or complex partial. Side effects include double vision, blurred vision, slurred speech, nystagmus, ataxia, cardiac arrhythmias, bone marrow problems and gingival hyperplasia. Alcohol, antacids and folic acid reduce the effect of Dilantin. Monitoring of hyperplasia of the gums should be routinely done by a dentist and the medication may change the color of the person's urine to pink or reddish brown.

Mysoline is indicated by generalized tonic -clonic, simple or complex partial. Side effects include behavioral changes, drowsiness, hyperactivity, ataxia and bone marrow depression. Adverse reactions of the medication are about the same as Luminol or Phenobarbital. Initially the side effects may be severe however dosage can be adjusted by your physician to limit any adverse side effects.

Depakene is indicated by absence, generalized tonic -clonic, myoclonic and simple or complex partial. Side effects include increased appetite, tremors, increase of liver enzymes, headaches, depression and leukoplakia. Dependency on Depakene can result over long term usage. Medication if elixir should not be mixed with any other substance when taken. Tablets or capsules be taken as prescribed. Toxicity can occur when taken with aspirin.

People taking anticonvulsive or antiepileptics should be warned to report any side effects immediately to their physician because they may have to have the dosage adjusted. Periodic testing of liver function and blood levels are required with some medications and the physicians medication orders must be followed explicitly.

References for this article include:

www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/anticonvulsants.htm
www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/treatment/medications/medsside.cfm
www.brain-spine.com/helpbook/se_anticonvulsant.html