Having a child with a seizure disorder can be one of the most difficult situations a parent can face. Each type of seizure disorder may require a different type of treatment. The positive news is that there are a number of medications to help control seizures in children.
Phenytoin
Phenytoin is used for partial and tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures in children. It is available in injectable, capsule, chewable tablet and suspension form. Most patients will need lab testing to check blood concentrations, and many physicians advise taking the brand name only because generic formulations often do not work as well. Common side effects include jerky eye movements, unsteady gait and nausea. Long-term use may cause overgrowth of the gums and excessive hair growth.
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital is used to treat most types of seizures in children and is often a first-choice drug for infants. It is available in injectable, oral solution and tablet formulations. Some children taking this medication experience temporary problems with mental clarity, but this varies from child to child.
Diazepam
Diazepam is used for status epilepticus and febrile seizures in children older than 6 months of age. It is available in injectable, rectal, liquid and tablet form. Diazepam is known to cause sedation and should not be used for long-term treatment in children.
Ethosuximide
Ethosuximide is used for absence seizures (petit mal) in children 3 years of age and older. It is available in capsule and syrup formulations. Common side effects include stomach upset, drowsiness and mood changes. Rare but potentially serious side effects include changes in white blood cell counts, systemic lupus erythematosus and a skin reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS).
Valproic Acid and Sodium Valproate
Valproic acid and sodium valproate can be used to treat absence seizures, myoclonic seizures, tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures and infantile spasms. The medication comes in an oral solution, tablet form and as "sprinkle caps" that are opened and sprinkled over food for children who cannot swallow pills. Both medications can be used in very young children though the risk of severe liver damage is much higher when used in children younger than age 3. Common side effects include stomach upset and drowsiness.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine may be used for tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, partial seizures and mixed seizures in children and infants. It is available in capsule, tablet, chewable tablet and oral suspension form. Common side effects include stomach upset, dizziness and blurry vision. Most children will need occasional blood tests to make sure that rare but potentially serious conditions, such as blood disorders, renal damage or liver damage, do not develop.
Oxcarbazepine
Oxcarbazepine is approved for treatment with other antiepileptic drugs for complex partial seizures in children ages 4 to 16. It is available in capsule and liquid suspension. Common side effects include headache, stomach complaints and dizziness, while more serious risks include SJS, toxic epidermal necrolysis (detachment of the top layer of the skin), allergic reaction and hyponatremia (electrolyte disturbance). Changes in skin, breathing or signs of dehydration should be reported to a medical professional immediately.
Topiramate
Topiramate can be used for tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, partial seizures, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children. Topiramate is available in tablet and sprinkle capsule form. Topiramate side effects include changes in behavior, attention difficulties and drowsiness. Changes in vision may indicate the development of glaucoma and warrant immediate medical attention.
Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is used in children for the treatment of partial seizures. It is available in capsule and oral suspension form. Common side effects may include stomach upset, mental changes and vision changes. Serious side effects can include SJS and TEN, therefore any skin eruption needs immediate medical treatment.
