Seizures refer to erratic electric activity that occurs in the brain. MedlinePlus says that some symptoms of seizures include change in consciousness, emotional seizures, visual changes and muscle twitching. Other seizure symptoms include muscle tension and changes in skin sensation. Fortunately, common seizure medications exist to tame these symptoms.
Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam, commonly known as Keppra, is a medication used to manage seizures in people suffering with epilepsy. This medication is an anticonvulsant medication that works to reduce the electrical activity in the brain.
Some of levetiracetam's common effects include weakness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, nervousness and dizziness. Other symptoms of this medication include agitation, hostility, pain, a headache and constipation. Notify a doctor when levetiracetam's common side effects remain for more than six to seven days.
This drug's serious effects include depression, a rash, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations and double vision (diplopia). Other effects of levetiracetam fever, a sore throat, facial swelling and itching. Notify a doctor immediately when levetiracetam causes these effects.
Tell a doctor of all the medications taken as it may interact with this medication.
Levetiracetam is available as a liquid or tablet. Typically, this is taken two times a day or as indicated.
Pregabalin
Pregabalin, commonly sold as Lyrica, is a medication also used to treat seizures. Drugs.com says that pregabalin is an anticonvulsant medication that also decrease the activity within the brain.
Pregabalin's common effects include blurry vision, joint or muscle pain, stomach pain, constipation, memory problems, difficulty concentrating and drowsiness. Pregabalin also causes an increased appetite, stomach pain, a skin rash and itching. Contact a doctor when this medication's effects remain for more than three days.
Pregabalin's serious effects include muscle pain or tenderness, easy bleeding or bruising and rapid weight gain. Swelling of the hands or feet are this drug's other serious effects. Notify a doctor immediately when pregabalin causes these effects.
A dose change may be necessary when suffering from congestive heart failure, kidney disease or diabetes.
Pregabalin is typically given as a tablet and should be taken as prescribed.
Lamotrigine
Lamotrigine, commonly sold as Lamictal, is also used to treat manage epilepsy. MedlinePlus says that its common effects include diarrhea, vomiting, double vision, nervousness and dry mouth. Lamotrigine can also lead to heartburn, irritability, trouble sleeping and painful periods. Call a doctor when lamotrigine's common effects remain for six to seven days.
Lamotrigine's serious effects include chest pain, a loss of coordination, depression and seizures. Other side effects include suicidal thoughts and swelling of the legs, hands or feet.
A change in lamotrigine's dose may be necessary when taking phenobarbital, rifampin, trimethoprim and primdone.
Lamotrigine is a chewable or regular tablet taken once or two times a day.
