Anticonvulsants for Cerebral Palsy

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine you take. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with your medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after you take the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother you and you wonder if you should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower your dose or change your medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if you or your child has:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if you or your child has:

• Hives or a skin rash.
• Thoughts of suicide or serious changes in mood or behavior.
• More seizures than normal or if seizures get worse.
• Unsteady walking.
• Fever along with a rash or swollen glands (while taking oxcarbazepine).
• Pain or pressure around the eyes (while taking topiramate).
• Mouth sores or bruising (while taking zonisamide).

Call your doctor if you or your child has:

• Changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision.
• Uncontrolled eye movements.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Feeling dizzy, drowsy, sleepy, or weak.
• Belly pain, headache, breast pain, or other pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Memory problems.
• Dry or sore throat.

Each medicine also has specific side effects. For example:

• Lamotrigine has the potential to cause a serious, even life-threatening rash. This side effect is rare in adults but somewhat more common in children.
• Topiramate and zonisamide have the potential to make you sweat less, and this causes your body temperature to rise. Be careful not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather because it could lead to heat stroke. If you take a hot bath or use a sauna, you may become dizzy or faint.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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