Seizures refer to involuntary muscle movements that occur as a result of jumbled electrical activity in the brain. MedlinePlus says that symptoms of seizures include a loss of muscle control, altered consciousness, muscle tension and visual changes. Fortunately, different seizure medications exist.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine, commonly sold as Tegretol, is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to reduce the electrical activity in the brain so that seizures and pain do not occur as frequently.
Drugs.com says that carbamazepine's common side effects include vomiting, a swollen tongue, blurry vision, a headache, a dry mouth and ringing in the ears. Carbamazepine can also lead to drowsiness, dizziness, diarrhea, a swollen tongue and muscle or joint pain. Notify a physician when carbamazepine's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Carbamazepine's serious side effects include stomach pain, nausea, sores on the mouth or lips and decreased urination. Other serious effects include yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale skin, shortness of breath and swelling of the feet or ankles. Talk to a doctor when carbamazepine leads to these effects.
A change in carbamazepine's dose may be necessary when suffering from lupus, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, heart disease or a mental illness.
Carbamazepine is available as an extended-release tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Lacosamide
Lacosamide, commonly sold as Vimpat, is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication that decreases the nerve transmission within the brain.
Drugs.com says that lacosamide's common side effects include a headache, blurry vision, a loss of balance and lack of coordination. Other common effects include difficulty concentrating, tremors, muscle spasm, vomiting, constipation, numbness and ringing in the ears. Talk to a physician when lacosamide's common effects remain for more than seven days.
Lacosamide's serious side effects include double vision, confusion, shortness of breath, nausea, pain in the upper part of the stomach, lower back pain and easy bleeding or bruising. Lacosamide's other serious effects include shortness of breath, muscle weakness, a pounding and fast heartbeat, and swollen glands. Find a physician immediately when lacosamide leads to these effects.
Lacosamide may not be as effective when suffering from liver or kidney disease, heart failure or a serious heart condition.
Lacosamide is available as a tablet taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is another anticonvulsant medication that is used to decrease seizures, according to MedlinePlus. It works to decrease the electrical activity within the brain.
Gabapentin's common side effects include drowsiness, anxiety, memory problems, a dry mouth, constipation, a cough, a runny nose, a fever and swelling of the legs, feet or ankles. Phone a doctor when gabapentin's common effects last for greater than six to seven days.
Gabapentin's serious side effects include itching, a rash, trouble swallowing or breathing and swelling of the tongue, face, throat, eyes or lips. Go to the emergency room when gabapentin leads to these effects.
A change in gabapentin's dose may be needed when taking morphine, hydrocodone or naproxen.
Gabapentin is available as a tablet, capsule or liquid taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
