Side-effects of anti-seizure medication

Common anti-seizure medication side effects 

Like all medications (meds), anti-seizure meds (ASM) can have side effects. Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medication. Anti-seizure meds work differently for everyone. How one person reacts to anti-seizure meds may be very different to how someone else reacts.  

Anti-seizure medication side effects are usually mild and can be handled well. But some can be serious. If they’re hard to deal with you may need to switch your meds. Or your doctor may suggest changing the dose. 

You may get some, or none, of the ASM side effects listed here. But it’s important to know about the possible side effects so you can deal with them and get support if you need it. Each medication will have their own specific side effects – these will be listed in the leaflet that comes with the medication. Some of the common ASM side effects include: 

• Feeling very tired (fatigue) or a lack of energy 
• Memory and thinking problems 
• Feeling dizzy, unsteady or shaking (tremors) 
• Putting on weight 
• Stomach pain and digestive problems, for example heartburn, constipation (difficulty having a poo) or feeling sick (nausea) 
• Anxiety, low mood or depression. 

If you’re getting any of these side effects from your anti-seizure meds, talk to a medical professional. They may suggest changing meds, adding a different med, or altering the dose.   

It’s a good idea to record any ASM side effects you have. Use the notes section in your phone to keep track of symptoms even if you’re not sure if they’re being caused by your meds. 

Having a list of ASM side effects to show your doctor will help them understand how your meds are affecting you. They will be able to help you deal with your ASM side effects. Or may suggest changing the dose to help stop side effects in the future. 

 Dealing with mood and mental health side effects of epilepsy medication 

Feeling anxious, low or depressed can be common in young people with epilepsy. But you shouldn’t have to deal with it alone. Talk to your doctor if your anti-seizure meds are affecting how you feel. They may be able to make changes to your meds which should help to improve your mood. 

Having epilepsy and managing your meds can be hard. But dealing with side effects as well can make it feel even harder. You may find it helpful to talk to people you trust about how you feel. For example your parents, a friend, or teacher. Talking to someone about how you feel can help others understand what you’re going through. If people understand, they will be able to support you better.  

For more information and support on epilepsy and mental health, check out our Mental Health & Wellbeing Hub for Young People with Epilepsy. 

Check out the hub

You can also reach out to local mental health services for children and young people.   

Remember, always talk to your doctor if you’re feeling low, anxious or depressed. If you need urgent mental health support contact SHOUT, Samaritans, or call 999 in an emergency. 

 Dealing with behavioural anti-seizure medication side effects  

Children with epilepsy are at a higher risk of having behavioural issues. Common behavioural issues include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and delays in learning. 

For children and young people with behavioural problems, medication side effects can cause extra problems. These may be hard to notice and deal with. Children with delays in talking or learning may struggle to describe their symptoms. Or may not cope well with other sensory side effects. For example, being sick or feeling dizzy.  

Some anti-seizure meds may also cause behavioural problems in children and young people. Behavioural side effects can include: 

• Getting irritated easily 
• Feeling angry 
• Not being able to concentrate well 
• Having mood swings. 

It can be hard for parents and carers to work out which behaviour changes are being caused by anti-seizure meds. And which ones are just normal behaviours in young people.  

Talk to your medical team if your behaviour has changed and you’re not sure why. They may look at your meds and help you with ways to manage your behavioural side effects. 

 Dealing with physical side effects of epilepsy medication 

Some of the physical side effects of epilepsy medication, such as feeling sick (nausea), feeling dizzy, or having heartburn, are usually mild. They usually get better once your body is used to your anti-seizure meds. But if these side effects continue, or they’re really bad, they can usually be managed with lifestyle changes or other meds. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest trying different anti-seizure meds or changing the dose. This will help prevent side effects. 

Anti-seizure medication, alcohol and drugs 

You should avoid drinking too much alcohol and taking drugs, such as cocaine or ketamine. This is because it raises your risk of seizures. And can make ASM side effects worse.  

You may feel the effects of alcohol more, such as being drunk or tired the next day, if you’re taking anti-seizure meds as well. Being hungover, tired and unwell, may also mean you forget to take your anti-seizure meds correctly. 

If you need help with reducing or stopping the amount of alcohol and drugs you take, talk to your medical team. They will be able to offer you support or give you details of where you can find more help.

Other useful organisations  

Change Grow Live 

www.changegrowlive.org 

A charity that supports people with drug and alcohol addiction. 

NHS website 

www.nhs.uk 

Mental health support for children and young people, including information on how to self-refer. 

NICE website  

www.nice.org.uk  

Up-to-date guidelines for children and young people with epilepsy.  

Samaritans  

www.samaritans.org 

A charity that supports people with their mental health. 

Young Minds 

www.youngminds.org.uk 

A charity that supports young people with their mental health.