Epilepsy is treated with anti-convulsant drugs. Anti-convulsants have particular side effects. They may cause small problems until the patient is used to their new treatment. They may also pose serious side effects and reactions in patients who are particularly susceptible to these adverse reactions. They also pose severe risks to fetuses, with evidence of reported birth defects and abnormalities in children born to mothers who took anti-convulsants during pregnancy.
Initial Dosage Effects
Medication dosage can affect patients in many ways. High doses of anti-convulsants may lead to certain side effects. Common side effects of high dosages of anti-convulsants include slurring of speech, sedation and unsteadiness. Drowsiness may also occur. Double vision, weight gain, hyperactivity, insomnia, aggression and behavioral changes may also occur. These side effects may also be seen in the initial period of treatment. As the user becomes more accustomed to the new drug and its effects, usually these side effects will stop occurring and no longer be bothersome.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects of seizure medications include prolonged fever, rash, severe sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy bruising, bleeding in small areas or "pinpoint" bleeding, weakness, severe fatigue, swollen glands, lack of appetite and increased occurrence of seizures. Medical intervention is required to resolve these issues, so if you or a loved one are displaying any of these complications, please go to the emergency room immediately. These symptoms may progress quickly and result in a possible fatality if not treated properly.
Idiosyncratic Side Effects
Idiosyncratic side effects are peculiar side effects of anti-convulsants that occur in people who may have hypersensitivity to the drug or severe allergic reactions. These reactions are not common in the population of users of anti-convulsants, but do occur rarely. These side effects are potentially fatal liver damage, aplastic anemia and Stevens Johnson syndrome. Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the body does not produced enough blood cells, leaving the body fatigued and vulnerable to new infections and uncontrollable bleeding. Treatments for this condition include medication, blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants. Stevens Johnson syndrome, also called Erythema multiforme , is a severe condition in which the skin is afflicted with nodules, lesions and pale red rings. The skin will itch and large parts of the body will be covered by lesions including the hands, mouth and feet. Treatment consists of antibiotics, corticosteroids and hospitalization to stop the spread of the infection.
Effects on Fetuses
None of the drugs proven to help epilepsy are approved for use or approved as safe to ingest during pregnancy. Most of the commonly used drugs have been shown to result in birth defects. Increases in dosage of anti-convulsants during pregnancy increase the risk of birth defects. The most serious effects on babies are cleft lip or cleft palate, cardiac problems and spinal bifida. There is also a condition that occurs in babies that mimics fetal alcohol syndrome, where the children are born with wide-set eyes, low-set ears, short upper lips and slight abnormalities in the development of the fingers. Taking anti-convulsants during pregnancy is not advised for these reasons.
Conclusion
Anti-convulsants can be used safely for treatment of epilepsy in most patients. Anti-convulsants have been in use for quite a while and have a long track record of success in treating epilepsy. These medications must be used correctly under the supervision of a medical authority for optimum results, and dosages should only be increased or decreased by a doctor. Discuss any problems you experience with your doctor so that you may both decide on a reasonable course of treatment if you find that anti-convulsants are not the right drug for you.
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