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Anticonvulsants medications are
used to prevent or treat convulsions
(seizures) in people with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is not a single disease -
it is a set of symptoms that may have
different causes in different people.
The common thread is an imbalance
in the brain's electrical activity.
This imbalance causes seizures, that
may affect part or all of the body
and may cause a loss of consciousness.
anticonvulsants drugs act on the brain
to reduce the frequency and severity
of seizures.
What precautions do I need to take for anticonvulsants?
Patients on anticonvulsants drugs
should see a physician regularly while
on therapy, especially during the
first few months. The physician will
check to make sure the medicine is
working as it should and will note
unwanted side effects. The physician
may also adjust the dosage during
this period. Valproic acid can cause
serious liver damage, especially in
the first 6 months of treatment. Children
are particularly at risk, but anyone
taking this medicine should see their
physician regularly for tests of liver
function and should be alert to symptoms
of liver damage, such as yellow skin
and eyes, facial swelling, loss of
appetite, general feeling of illness,
loss of appetite, and vomiting. If
liver problems are suspected, call
a physician immediately.
Anticonvulsants drugs may interact
with medicines used during surgery,
dental procedures, or emergency treatment.
These interactions could increase
the chance of side effects. Anyone
who is taking anticonvulsants should
be sure to tell the health care professional
in charge before having any surgical
or dental procedures or receiving
emergency treatment.
Some people feel drowsy, dizzy, lightheaded, or less alert when using these drugs, especially when they first begin taking them or when their dosage is increased. Anyone who takes anticonvulsants drugs should not drive, use machines or do anything else that might be dangerous until they have found out how the drugs affect them.
What are the likely side effects of anticonvulsants?
The most common side effects are
constipation, mild nausea or vomiting
and mild dizziness, drowsiness, or
lightheadedness. These problems usually
go away as the body adjusts to the
drug and do not require medical treatment.
Less common side effects, such as
diarrhea, sleep problems, aching joints
or muscles, increased sensitivity
to sunlight, increased sweating, hair
loss, enlargement of facial features,
excessive hair growth, muscle twitching,
and breast enlargement in males also
may occur and do not need medical
attention unless they persist or are
troublesome.
Other side effects which may need medical attention are
- Slurred speech or stuttering
- Trembling
- Unusual excitement, irritability,
or nervousness
- Blurred or double vision
- Mood or mental changes
- Increase in seizures
- Bleeding, tender, or swollen
gums
- Skin rash or itching
- Enlarged glands in neck or
armpits and
- Fever.
What are the likely drug interactions of anticonvulsants?
Some anticonvulsants drugs should
not be taken within 2 to 3 hours of
taking antacids or medicine for diarrhea.
These medicines may make the anticonvulsants
drugs less effective. Consult the
pharmacist or physician for more information.
Birth control pills may not work
properly when anticonvulsants drugs
are being taken. To prevent pregnancy,
ask the physician or pharmacist if
additional methods of birth control
should be used while taking anticonvulsants
drugs.
Anticonvulsants drugs may interact
with many other medicines. When this
happens, the effects of one or both
of the drugs may change or the risk
of side effects may be greater. Anyone
who takes anticonvulsants drugs should
let the physician know all other medicines
he or she is taking. The drugs that
may interact with certain anticonvulsants
drugs are:
- Bronchodilators
- Medicines that contain calcium,
such as antacids and calcium supplements
- Blood thinning drugs
- Antibiotics such as clarithromycin
(Biaxin), erythromycins, and sulfonamides
(sulfa drugs)
- Disulfiram
- Fluoxetine
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Corticosteroids
- Acetaminophen
- Aspirin
- Female hormones
- Male hormones
- Cimetidine
The list above does not include
every drug that may interact with
anticonvulsants drugs. One has to
be sure to check with a physician
or pharmacist before combining anticonvulsants
drugs with any other prescription
or nonprescription medicine.
What are the drugs
that come under anticonvulsants?
Your doctor may prescribe an anticoagulant
drug based on the type of blood clot
you have developed. Some anticoagulant
includes drugs such as
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