Anticonvulsants for Cerebral Palsy

Many medicines for seizures can interact with other medicines you may be taking. This means that your seizure medicine may not work as well, or it may affect the way another medicine you are taking works. Some of these interactions can be dangerous. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines, herbal pills, and dietary supplements you are taking.

This medicine may cause you to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert, which makes it harder for you to concentrate. If you are feeling sleepy, don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous to you or other people.

Some anticonvulsants make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor if you need other methods of Reference birth control Opens New Window while taking this medicine.

Do not stop taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often.

If you take topiramate, drink plenty of fluids every day to help prevent kidney stones.

Taking medicine

Medicine is one of the many tools your doctor has to treat a health problem. Taking medicine as your doctor suggests will improve your health and may prevent future problems. If you don't take your medicines properly, you may be putting your health (and perhaps your life) at risk.

There are many reasons why people have trouble taking their medicine. But in most cases, there is something you can do. For suggestions on how to work around common problems, see the topic Reference Taking Medicines as Prescribed.

Advice for women

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant, do not use any medicines unless your doctor tells you to. Some medicines can harm your baby. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements. And make sure that all your doctors know that you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or planning to get pregnant.

When taken during pregnancy, some anticonvulsants (such as oxcarbazepine and topiramate) are known to slightly increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, you and your doctor must weigh the risks of using this medicine against the risks of not treating your seizures.

Checkups

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

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