The Merck Manual of the Online Medical Library says that childhood seizures refer to the abnormal electrical activity that results in abnormal and involuntary movements of the body. For example infants can smack their lips while older children may shake their entire body. Learn about the seizure medications used to control these symptoms.
Ethosuximide
Drugs.com says that ethosuximide is used to treat absence seizures in children. This seizure is characterized by staring and repetitive movements such as lip smacking and rapid eyelid movements.
Ethosuximide's common side effects include blurry vision, dizziness, diarrhea, hiccups, confusion, nervousness and lack of coordination. Ethosuximide may also cause weight loss, trouble sleeping and vaginal bleeding. Serious effects include joint swelling or pain, stomach pain, nausea, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, chest pain, muscle aches, skin blistering and a severe skin rash. Other serious effects include weakness and easy bruising or bleeding. Ethosuximide may also lead to worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. Call a doctor right away when ethosuximide causes these side effects.
Valproate
Valproate is another anticonvulsant medication used to treat childhood seizures. Its common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, a change in appetite, stomach pain and nausea, according to Drugs.com. Valproate also causes changes in weight, trouble sleeping and hair loss. Fortunately, these effects should go away within one to two weeks of taking the medication.
Valproate's serious side effects include stomach cramps, strange thinking, a fever, lack of coordination, nosebleeds, a pounding heartbeat, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine and menstrual irregularities. Others include swelling of the arms or legs, hearing loss, trouble speaking and difficulty urinating. Call a physician immediately when valproate causes these effects.
Do not combine valproate with alcohol (in beverages and in medications) as the combination can lead to increased drowsiness.
Valproate may interact with such medications as diazepam, ketoconazole, isoniazid and salicylates and lead to drowsiness, vomiting, nausea and unsteadiness, says Drugs.com. Tell a physician of all the medications taken because they can interact with valproate.
Valproate is also a tablet that must be taken as instructed.
Phenytoin
Phenytoin is yet another anticonvulsant medication that can be prescribed to treat childhood seizures. Its common side effects include vomiting, constipation, trouble sleeping, dizziness, a headache, confusion and lack of coordination. Phenytoin can cause a headache, slowed thinking, slurred speech, uncontrollable eye movements and penis pain. This drug's serious side effects include rash, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, joint pain, swollen glands and a fever. Call a physician when these effects arise.
Phenytoin is taken as a chewable tablet, extended-release capsule or a liquid solution daily or as a physician prescribes.
