Common Medications

Most Common Antiepileptic Drugs

Trade Name (Name used by the company to market the drug)	Generic Name (Name based on the chemical composition of the drug)	Common Use (Types of seizure the drug is most commonly used to control)	Possible Side Effects (May require adjustment of drug dosage)	Serious Side Effects (Usually requires discontinuation of the drug)
Carbatrol ® Tegretol ® Tegretol XR ®	carbamazepine carbamazepine carbamazepine, extended release	complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) generalized tonic-clinic (grand mal) simple partial	drowsiness dizziness blurred vision double vision lethargy nausea, vomiting unsteadiness	allergic reaction impaired liver function bone marrow suppression birth defects Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (life threatening rash) arrhythmia seizures
Depakote ® Depakene ®	divalproex sodium valproic acid	absence (petit mal) generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) complex partial simple partial	nausea, vomiting indigestion sedation dizziness, tremor hair loss liver function change weight gain or loss menstrual irregularities fluid retention	allergic reaction impaired liver function bone marrow suppression pancreatitis Stevens-Johnson Syndrome bleeding
Dilantin ®	phenytoin	generalized tonic-clonic partial seizures	body hair increase gum overgrowth tremor anemia loss of coordination double vision nausea, vomiting confusion slurred speech acne	allergic reaction impaired liver function SLE (Systemic Lupus Eryth.) lymphoma Purple Glove Syndrome cardiovascular collapse tissue necrosis arrhythmia bone marrow suppression
Diastat ®	diazepam	temporary add on therapy for controlling prolonged seizures	sleepiness dizziness headache
Felbatol ®	felbamate	generalized tonic-clinic complex partial secondary generalized (Lennox-Gastaut)	headache insomnia nausea loss of appetite	allergic reaction bone marrow suppression liver failure
Gabitril ®	tigabine HCI	partial seizures secondary generalized	dizziness asthemia somnolence nausea vomitingnervous impaired momory	allergic reaction central nervous system depression seizures
Keppra ®	levetiracetam	add on therapy for partial seizures	drowsiness behavioral/mood disorders headache loss of coordination	none reported
Klonopin ®	clonazepam	atonic myoclonic	lethargy dizziness behavioral changes increase in salivation increase in bronchial secretions clumsiness hair loss loss of appetite	allergic reaction respiratory depression impaired liver function seizures
Lamictal ®	lamotrigine	partial seizures generalized seizures secondary generalized (Lennox-Gastaut)	nausea dizziness loss of coordination rash headache	allergic reaction Stevens Johnson Syndrome hepatic failure bone marrow suppression
Mysoline ®	primidone	complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) simple partial	drowsiness loss of appetite irritability nausea, vomiting dizziness loss of coordination	allergic reaction impaired liver function dyspnea (shortness of breath) lupus-like symptoms
Neurontin ®	gabapentin	add-on therapy for partial and generalized seizures	nausea drowsiness weight gain dizziness involuntary eye movement	leukopenia (low white blood cell count)
No Trade Name Commonly Used	phenobarbital	most types of seizures	irritability dizziness lethargy hyperactivity loss of coordination loss of appetite	allergic reaction Stevens-Johnson Syndrome TTP (abnormality of blood cells) respiratory depression bone marrow suppression angio edema
Topamax ®	topiramate	add-on therapy for partial seizures in adults	blurred vision confusion, drowsiness nausea, vomiting kidney stones dizziness loss of coordination glaucoma	allergic reaction birth defects nephrolithiasis
Tranxene ®	clorazepate dipotassium	complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe)	drowsiness dizziness irritability	allergic reaction impaired liver function
Trileptal ®	oxcarbazepine	complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) generalized tonic-clinic (grand mal) simple partial	drowsiness dizziness blurred vision double vision lethargy nausea, vomiting unsteadiness	allergic reaction impaired liver function bone marrow suppression hyponatraemia birth defects Stevens-Johnson Syndrome angio edema
Zarontin ®	ethosuximide	absence (petit mal)	drowsiness hyperactivity nausea, vomiting sleep disturbance	allergic reaction impaired liver function SLE (Systemic Lupus Eryth.) Stevens-Johnson Syndrome bone marrow suppression
Zonegran ®	zonisamide	add on therapy for partial, secondary generalized and tonic clonic seizures	anorexia dizziness fatigue confusion irritability kidney stones	allergic reaction Stevens-Johnson Syndrome heat stroke withdrawal seizures bone marrow suppression anaphylaxis