Epilepsy refers to a brain disorder in which the brain develops an increased amount of electrical activity. MedlinePlus says that epilepsy symptoms include convulsions, a loss of consciousness, tingling sensations and changes in emotion. There are drugs available to treat epilepsy and help manage the symptoms.
Phenobarbital
Drugs.com indicates that phenobarbital, commonly sold as Solfoton or Luminal, is a barbiturate medication used to manage seizures. It can also treat insomnia or be used as a sedative prior to surgery. Specifically, phenobarbital works to decrease the activity that occurs within the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system).
Phenobarbital's less concerning side effects include constipation, nausea, headache, drowsiness and dizziness. This drug can also lead to memory problems, difficulty concentrating and a hangover. Sometimes, this medication can also lead to confusion, aggressiveness and lack of coordination. Call a doctor when phenobarbital's common effects remain for greater than seven days.
Phenobarbital's more serious side effects include fainting, lightheadedness, sore throat, fever and restlessness. This drug can also lead to shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, easy bleeding or bruising, and broken blood vessels underneath the skin. Talk to a physician immediately when phenobarbital leads to these effects.
A decrease in phenobarbital's dose may be needed when suffering from such diseases as kidney or liver disease, asthma, chronic obstructive disorder, depression, or mental illness.
Phenobarbital is a tablet or liquid taken daily or as a doctor prescribes.
Felbamate
Felbamate, commonly sold as Felbatol, is another medication used to treat epilepsy. Drugs.com indicates that this medication belongs to a category of drugs called anticonvulsants. It also reduces the electrical activity in the brain.
Felbamate's less serious side effects include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, blurry vision, acne, itching and changes in taste sensation. This drug can also cause vomiting, constipation, runny or stuffy nose, skin rash, and changes in weight or appetite. Phone a doctor when felbamate's less concerning effects last for greater than seven days.
Felbamate's serious effects include weakness, easy bleeding or bruising, paleness, lack of coordination, worsened seizures, and shortness of breath. This medication can also lead to liver problems. Signs of liver problems include stomach pain, nausea, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), body aches, and flu-like symptoms. Find a physician when felbamate leads to these symptoms.
Drugs.com says that felbamate can lead to suicidal thoughts and actually worsen depression. Notify a physician immediately when this occurs.
Felbamate is a liquid taken each day or as indicated.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin, commonly sold as Neurontin or Gabarone, is yet another medication used to treat epilepsy. MedlinePlus says that gabapentin is also an anticonvulsant medication that decreases the brain's electrical activity.
Gabapentin's less concerning side effects include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, nausea and heartburn. This medication can also lead to back or joint pain, fever, sneezing, red or itchy eyes, anxiety, and memory problems. Call a physician when gabapentin's less serious effects remain for more than a week.
Gabapentin's serious effects include seizures, difficulty swallowing or breathing, itchy rash, and swelling of the throat, face, tongue or lips. Call 911 when these side effects develop.
A change in gabapentin's dosage may be necessary when taking such medications as morphine, hydrocodone and naproxen.
Gabapentin is taken as a tablet, capsule or liquid daily or as prescribed.
