Epileptic seizures refer to an abnormal electrical activity that occurs in the brain. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that symptoms of epilepsy include loss of consciousness and shaking of the body. It can also lead to tingling and changes in emotion. Drugs used for epileptic seizures can help manage these symptoms.
Primidone
Primidone, commonly sold as Mysoline, is an anti-epileptic medication used to manage seizures. According to Drugs.com, primidone's less serious effects include blurry vision, irritability, loss of sex drive and vomiting. This drug can also lead to nausea, a poor appetite, a spinning sensation and a skin rash. Call a doctor when primidone's common effects last for more than a week.
Primidone's serious effects include a slurred speech, weakness and easy bleeding or bruising. In some instances, this drug can lead to a loss of balance or coordination. Contact a doctor right away if primidone leads to these effects.
Sometimes, primidone can lead to such problems as depression, agitation, hostility, hyperactivity and suicidal thoughts. Call a doctor when these symptoms emerge.
Primidone is a tablet taken two to four times daily.
Valproic Acid
Valproic acid, commonly sold as Depakene, Stavzor or Depakon, is a medication that is also used to treat seizure disorders. According to Drugs.com, less serious side effects include weight changes, hair loss, tremors, diarrhea, stomach problems and constipation. This drug can also lead to visual problems, large breasts and drowsiness. Call a doctor when valproic's acid side effects persist for longer than a week.
Valproic acid's serious effects include bloody urine, unexplained weight loss, fever, chills and blistering of the skin. This drug can also lead to a lack of coordination, double vision and back and forth eye movements. Sometimes this drug can also lead to swollen glands, the flu and a peeling skin rash. Notify a doctor immediately if valporic acid leads to these effects.
A change in valproic acid's dose may be necessary when suffering from such illnesses as a blood clot or bleeding problem, HIV, a history of a head injury and a brain disorder.
Valproic acid is available as a tablet and should be taken daily or as indicated.
Oxycarbazepine
Oxycarbazepine, commonly sold as Trileptal, is yet another medication used for epileptic seizures. According to MedlinePlus, oxycarbazpine's common effects include diarrhea, constipation, a poor appetite, back pain, dizziness and drowsiness. This drug can also lead to mood swings, back pain, an earache and a toothache. Call a doctor when oxycarbazepine's common effects last for more than a week.
Oxycarbazepine's serious effects include a headache, itching, chest or joint pain, decreased alertness, confusion and vomiting. This drug can also lead to yellowing of the skin or eyes, decreased alertness and a rash. Notify a doctor if you experience oxycarbazepine's serious effects.
A change in oxycarbazepine's dose may be needed when taking such medications as nimodipine, theophylline, phenobarbital and phenytoin.
Oxycarbazepine's is available as a tablet or liquid taken every 12 weeks.
