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- Side
effects
Anticonvulsant drugs are generally safe, but side effects
can, and do, occur. Their degree of severity depends on the kind
of medication being taken, the dosage, and the individual response
of a patient to that medication.
Minor side effects are not uncommon at the beginning of drug therapy,
but an allergic reaction is a severe adverse condition that necessitates
an immediate change to another medication.
The most frequently resported side effects are drowsiness, irritability,
nausea, rash, thickening of facial features, increase in body
hair, physical clumsiness, overgrowth of gum tissue and, in children,
hyperactivity. Emotional chnages may also be produced while, occasionally,
a drug will actually increase, rather than decrease, the number
of seizures a person experiences.
Despite these problems, many people are able to take their medication
for years without experiencing any side effects. When side effects
do occur, they should be reported to a treating physician without
delay.
Particular care must be taken when a drug shows signs of affecting
blood cells. Instances of fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers, easy
bruising, pinpoint bleeding under the skin, or any other change
in physical well-being, should be reported immediately.
Drug interactions can also intensify or diminish the effect of
anticonvulsant medication. This means that, when a new antiepileptic
drug is being prescribed, patients need to tell their doctors
what medication they are taking for unrelated medical problems.
Similarly, it is important to tell a pharmacist about any anticonvulsant
medication being taken, thus avoiding any over-the-counter product
that might create an undesirable reaction or change the blood
level of the anticonvulsant.
Anticonvulsant drugs may lessen the efficiency of the birth control
pill, so women should advise their doctors that they are taking
oral contraceptives when they begin taking anticonvulsants.
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