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The choice of anticonvulsants depends on individual patient characteristics. [42] Both newer and older drugs are generally equally effective in new onset epilepsy. [42] The newer drugs tend to have fewer side effects. [42]
Serious side effects include excessive breakdown of red blood cells, increased risk of suicide, severe skin reaction (Stevens–Johnson syndrome), and allergic reactions, which can be fatal. [8] Lamotrigine is a phenyltriazine , [ 5 ] making it chemically different from other anticonvulsants . [ 8 ]
Stiripentol, sold under the brand name Diacomit, is an anticonvulsant medication used for the treatment of Dravet syndrome - a serious genetic brain disorder. [5] [6]The most common side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), drowsiness, ataxia (inability to co‑ordinate muscle movements), hypotonia (low muscle strength) and dystonia (muscle disorders).
Severe side effects may include suicide and psychosis. [8] [7] Use during pregnancy may result in harm to the fetus. [9] Primidone is an anticonvulsant of the barbiturate class; [7] however, its long-term effect in raising the seizure threshold is likely due to its active metabolite, phenobarbital. [10]
Other side effects include stomach pain, tremor, rash, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and dry mouth. Photosensitivity is a potential side-effect and people could experience severe sunburns as a result of sun exposure. [3] Oxcarbazepine may lead to hypothyroxinemia.
Convulsions are induced in captive animals, then high doses of anticonvulsant drugs are administered. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] For example, kainic acid can lead to status epilepticus in animals as it is a cyclic analog of l-glutamate and an agonist for kainate receptors in the brain which makes it a potent neurotoxin and excitant.
The adverse effects found in the Phase II trial mainly affected the central nervous system, and appeared to be dose-related. [8] The most common adverse effects were drowsiness, dizziness, tinnitus and vertigo, confusion, and slurred speech. [9] Less common side effects included tremor, memory loss, gait disturbances, and double vision. [10]
Carbamazepine, sold under the brand name Tegretol among others, is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. [4] [1] It is used as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia along with other medications and as a second-line agent in bipolar disorder.