While there is no cure epilepsy, a wide variety of drugs known as anticonvulsants can help control seizures. Seizures typically include convulsions--uncontrollable twisting and jerking motions of the body. The epileptic may lose consciousness during a seizure. Sufferers also may experience less noticeable seizures in which they disconnect momentarily, losing awareness of their surroundings without losing consciousness.
Gabapentin
This anticonvulsant medicine, the Mayo Clinic reports, raises the level of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in the child’s brain. Because medical researchers believe some seizures occur due to low GABA levels, the frequency and severity of seizures may be controlled with the use of gabapentin. Children as young as 3 years old may take doses of gabapentin, determined by body weight and a doctor's recommendation. The most common serious side effects of this drug for children include such problems as depression, euphoria, anxiety, aggression and distrust of those around them.
Divalproex Sodium
Doctors determine the dose of the anticonvulsant divalproex sodium for children of all ages based upon body weight. The Mayo Clinic reports that for children ages 10 and older, the typical dose is 10 or 15 mg for each kilogram of body weight. A kilogram equals approximately 2.2 lbs. Serious side effects of this medication commonly occur, including mental confusion, dementia, delusions, appetite loss and depression, the Mayo Clinic states. The parent needs to seek immediate consultation with a physician for a child experiencing these side effects.
Carbamazepine
Children ages six to 12 may take 50 mg of carbamazepine four times each day to help control seizures. The physician may increase this dose to 1,000 mg per day, the Mayo Clinic reports. For children younger than six, a doctor must determine the specific dose based upon the child’s body weight. Serious side effects only occur rarely, but non-serious common side effects can include eye problems such as continual movement of the eyes, double or blurry vision.
