An anticonvulsant, aka antiepileptic, is a drug used to prevent future convulsions or stop an ongoing seizure. A seizure and convulsion are interchangeable terms and is caused by excessive surges of brain electrical activity. This imbalance may affect different parts of your body and can cause unconsciousness.
Convulsions are typically seen in those with epilepsy or other convulsant causing health conditions, for instance:
- stroke
- infection
- high fever
- head injury
- hypoxemia
- brain tumor
- hypoglycemia
- sleep deprivation
- alcohol withdrawal
There are different types of drugs prescribed as antiepileptic treatment. In fact any drug that causes central nervous system depression may be used as an anticonvulsant, including narcotics and sedatives.
Some anticonvulsants are used to treat other health conditions unrelated to convulsions, such as:
- neuralgia
- migraines
- fibromyalgia
- bipolar disorder
Some antiepileptics are also used as a muscle relaxant for muscle related health conditions.
You can experience drug side effects with your anticonvulsant, which will depend on which one you take. However, headache, nausea, tiredness and weakness are common with all antiepileptics.
Some other generally mild side effects that may occur when you first start taking an anticonvulsant or adjust your dosage are:
- chills
- myalgia
- insomnia
- arthralgia
- dizziness
- sinus pain
- nightmares
- mild anxiety
- mild tremors
- abdominal pain
- appetite changes
- diarrhea, constipation
- heartburn, indigestion
- tingling, prickly feeling
- slight coordination issues
- unpleasant mouth taste, dry mouth
You should notify your health care provider who prescribed the anticonvulsant treatment when any of these symptoms persist or make you too miserable.
More severe side effects can occur with taking an antiepileptic, particularly if you have an allergic reaction to the drug. And consumption of alcohol while taking an anticonvulsant is not good because it can exacerbate the side effects and may cause a seizure.
Anticonvulsant may have adverse interactions with other drugs, like:
- warfarin
- antacids
- antibiotics
- pain killers
- sulfa drugs
- antihistamines
- anticoagulants
- corticosteroids
- antidepressants
Also be aware that anticonvulsants can decrease the effectiveness of estrogen or progestin containing contraceptives, including:
- birth control pills
- progesterone implants
- progesterone injections
And if you do become pregnant, antiepileptics may increase the risk of birth defects. So in that case, contact to your health care provider ASAP for potential alternative treatment for your health condition.
Certain underlying health conditions may mean anticonvulsant treatment is unsuitable, such as:
- lupus
- anemia
- porphyria
- prior stroke
- hypertension
- diabetes mellitus
- severe digestive disorders
- thyroid, liver, kidney function problems
- heart problems ~ angina chest pain, arrhythmia
Epileptics shouldn’t rely solely on the taking of antiepileptic drug treatment to prevent a seizure. Getting proper rest, avoiding stress and healthy habits are vital as well.