Common Epilepsy Medications for Children

Focal Seizures- Carbamazepine, clobazam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, sodium valproate, topiramate

General Tonic Clonic Seizures- Carbamazepine, clobazam, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, phenytoin, sodium valproate,  topiramate

Absence Seizures-Ethosuximide, lamotrigine, sodium valproate

Myoclonic Tonic and Atonic Seizures-Clobazam, clonazepam,  lamotrigine, levetiracetam, sodium valproate, topiramate

Infantile Spasms-ACTH, nitrazepam,  prednisolone,  vigabatrin

Neonatal Seizures-Phenobarbitone, phenytoin, clonazepam

SIDE EFFECTS: 

All medications have the possibility of causing side effects. There are three main types of antiepileptic medication side effects.

• Some mild side effects are common when starting antiepileptic medications, particularly if the dose is increased rapidly. These include nausea, abdominal pain, dizziness, sleepiness, irritability, anxiety or mood changes. These are usually not serious, but may worry some people and should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor may slow the rate at which the medication is being introduced or may cut back another antiepileptic medication with which it may be interacting.
• Some side effects are common to antiepileptic medications when prescribed at too great a dose and are similar to being “drunk” eg. unsteadiness, poor concentration, sleepiness, double vision, vomiting, tremor. It is important to report these side effects to your doctor immediately if they occur.
• Some side effects are peculiar to individual medications and only occur in some people eg. rash, blood problems, liver problems, severe behaviour disturbance, worsening of seizure control. There are some patients or situations in which there may be increased risk of such side effects with a certain medication.

Please refer to the specific drug information provided with your medication for a more detailed list of side effects.  As numerous side effects are listed against all medications, your doctor should help you understand which are the more common or potentially serious side effects to look out for.  It is important to contact your doctor if you are worried about these or other side effects.

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