All AEDs are available only by prescription.
Epilepsy is a medical condition characterized by a predisposition to recurrent seizures.
Getty Images / Steve Debenport
AEDs interact with nerve cells in the brain, usually to reduce their activity.
Getty Images / Steve Debenport
Common Anti-Epileptic Drugs
There are several anticonvulsant drugs that are commonly prescribed.
Understanding how your medications work, and their possible side effects, is an important component of your treatment.
Keppra is used for prevention of seizures for people who havepartial epilepsy,generalized epilepsy, andmyoclonic epilepsy.
It is among the most commonly used AEDs.
The mechanism of Keppras action is not known.
It is used for children and adults for prevention of generalized and partial seizures.
It is also used for treatment ofstatus epilepticus, a prolonged seizure that requires treatment with AEDs.
Dilantin can be used alone or in combination with other AEDs.
Dilantin is available in capsule, chewable pill, oral solution, and IV form.
This drug interacts with nerve cell sodium channels.
In some instances, Dilantin causes gum overgrowth in the mouth, which can lead to dental problems.
Tegretol, Carbatrol (Carbamazepine)
Tegretol and Carbatrol are both brand names for the drug carbamazepine.
Carbamazepine isapproved for children and adults and is used for prevention of generalized seizures and partial seizures.
Carbamazepine is also often used for the treatment of pain that is related to conditions such asneuropathyandtrigeminal neuralgia.
It comes in a capsule, pill, and oral liquid form.
Carbamazepine is believed to prevent seizures by blocking the activity of nerve cells.
It is also used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and for migraine prevention.
Valproic acid comes in a tablet, extended-release tablet, and a capsule.
It interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down activity in the brain.
Valproic acid also has other actions in the brain, which could explain why it has several different uses.
Birth defects can result in children of women who take valproic acid during pregnancy.
It is approved for the treatment of partial seizures and is often used as an add-on medication for epilepsy.
This drug has other uses as well.
It can be used for the prevention of painful conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia and neuropathy.
It is also prescribed for the treatment ofrestless leg syndrome.
Neurontin comes in three forms that are taken by mouthpill, capsule, and liquid.
Children and adults can use it.
This medication can be used alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants.
Phenobarbital is available in a tablet, an oral liquid form, and an IV form.
It interacts with GABA, and it has a sedative effect that can make you very sleepy.
This medication is available in pill form.
It is used for the treatment of partial and generalized seizures.
It is often used in combination with other anticonvulsants.
Topamax is also approved for migraine prevention.
Topamax comes in both tablet and capsule form.
It affects sodium channels and interacts with GABA.
It is used for adults, and for children ages 2 and older, to treat partial epilepsy.
It can be used alone or in combination with other medications.
Oxcarbazepine is available as a tablet, an extended-release formula, and an oral liquid.
A prominent and unusual side effect of oxcarbazepine ishyponatremia(low sodium levels), which can become dangerous.
It is used as an adjunct to other medications for the treatment of partial seizures.
Gabitril comes in pill form and is believed to interact with GABA.
It is used as a treatment for partial seizures, as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and refractory epilepsy.
Lamictal can also be used for the management of bipolar disorder.
This medication is available in pill form.
The mechanism of action of Lamictal is not known.
Zarontin is available in a capsule form and as an oral solution.
Zonegran, Zonisade (Zonisamide)
Zonisamide is sold under the brands Zonegran and Zonisade.
It is approved for adults and for children over age 16.
This drug is used to treat partial seizures and is typically used in combination with another anticonvulsant.
It is also a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, which affects the kidneys.
Onfi is available as a tablet and as an oral suspension.
It interacts with GABA.
It is also used for treatment of anxiety and panic disorders.
Klonopinis available as a tablet.
It interacts with GABA.
It is also FDA-approved for the treatment of infantile spasms (IS).
Sabril is available as a tablet and an oral solution.
It interacts with GABA.
Sabril may also cause suicidal thoughts.
It is available in tablet and oral suspension form.
The mechanism of action is not known.
Felbatol can cause a number of side effects, including aplastic anemia and liver failure.
It is available as a tablet and oral suspension.
Banzel interacts with sodium channels.
Side effects include dizziness, difficulty with coordination, and fatigue.
The exact way Fycompa works is not fully understood.
Fycompa can cause dizziness, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric changes including alterations in mood and aggression.
For this reason, it contains a boxed warning.
It is used for partial seizures and comes in tablet form.
It acts on sodium channels.
Side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and headaches.
It is used for the treatment of partial seizures.
Vimpat is available as a tablet, oral solution, and IV form.
It acts on sodium channels.
Side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and alterations in heart rate.
It can be used on its own or with other drugs that treat seizures.
The medication can cause side effects like dizziness, trouble with coordination, and drowsiness.
Consuming alcohol while youre taking Xcorpi can make these side effects worse.
It is usually used for treating pain, but is also used for the treatment of partial seizures.
Lyrica is typically used in addition to another anticonvulsant rather than on its own.
It is available as a tablet or oral solution, and it acts on calcium channels.
Side effects include trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, and suicidal ideation.
It is approved for seizures associated withDravet syndromeand Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
CBD oil is available as an oral solution.
The mechanism of action is not known.
Side effects include fatigue, liver damage, and suicidal ideation.
Emergency Anticonvulsants
Some medications are commonly used to stop seizures during an emergency situation.
They can also be used as sedatives during medical procedures.
Side effects include dizziness, tiredness, confusion, and slurred speech.
Valium interacts with GABA and is often used in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal.
A Word From Verywell
AEDs can be highly effective in preventing seizures if you have epilepsy.
If you experience any of the side effects above, you should seek prompt medical attention.
It is unsafe to stop any AED abruptly or on your own, as withdrawal can induce a seizure.
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