Understanding Epilepsy Medications: A Guide to Treatment Options

Even though there is no known cure for epilepsy, the majority of epileptic people lead normal lives. Most seizures associated with epilepsy do not cause brain damage, but the condition does cause behavioral and emotional problems, especially in children. However, medications have been developed to keep these concerns to a minimum.

Categories

• Medications for epilepsy are divided into two categories: first-generation and second-generation anticonvulsants.

First-Generation Anticonvulsants

• First-generation anticonvulsants include: phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol/Carbatrol), phenobarbital, valproate (Depakote), ethosuximide (Zarontin), ethosuximide and primidone (Mysoline).

Second-Generation Anticonvulsants

• Second-generation anticonvulsants include: topiramate (Topamax), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), tiagabine (Gabitril), levetiracetam (Keppra), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), zonisamide (Zonegram) and pregabalin (Lyrica).

Side Effects

• Most medications cause sleepiness and dizziness when used in larger doses, although some patients can tolerate such amounts.

Warning

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in December 2008 that medications for epilepsy should offer a warning that they can increase the risk for suicidal behavior and thoughts.