Anticonvulsants: what they do and how to use them safely

Anticonvulsants are the main medicines used to control seizures, but they’re also prescribed for mood disorders, migraine prevention, and nerve pain. That means many people take these drugs for very different reasons — so knowing how each one works and what to watch for matters.

Common drugs & what to expect

Depakote (divalproex) — used for epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. It can cause weight gain, hair loss, liver problems and is linked to birth defects. Doctors usually check liver tests and blood levels early on.

Topiramate — works for seizures and migraine. People often notice tiredness, word-finding trouble, or changes in taste. It can cause weight loss and increases the chance of kidney stones.

Gabapentin (Neurontin) — often used for nerve pain and seizures. It’s usually well tolerated but can make you sleepy or dizzy. A recent study found a genetic factor may affect how well Gabapentin works for some women — another reason to personalize treatment with your clinician.

Lamotrigine — a good option for seizures and bipolar depression with fewer sedating effects. Watch for a rash early on; a severe rash is rare but needs urgent care.

Levetiracetam (Keppra) — fast-acting and widely used. Some people report mood changes or irritability, so clinicians monitor behavior after starting or increasing the dose.

Carbamazepine and phenobarbital — older drugs that still help many people. Carbamazepine affects other medications and birth control, and phenobarbital can be sedating.

Practical safety tips

Take your medicine the same time every day. Skipping doses or stopping suddenly can trigger seizures or withdrawal. If you want to stop, ask your doctor for a taper plan.

Tell every provider about your anticonvulsant. These drugs interact with other meds, over-the-counter remedies, and even some supplements. For example, some anticonvulsants reduce birth control effectiveness — talk to your prescriber if pregnancy is possible.

Get the right tests. Some meds need bloodwork (liver function, blood counts, drug levels). Keep those appointments; they’re not optional if your prescriber asked for them.

Be careful with alcohol and driving. Alcohol can increase side effects and make seizures more likely. Many places require a seizure-free period before you drive — check local rules and tell your clinic about any job or travel that depends on driving.

Buying online? Use verified pharmacies and ask for a prescription. KiwiDrug covers safer ways to buy meds online and how to avoid unsafe sites. If a deal looks too good or a site won’t verify a prescription, walk away.

Finally, keep a seizure diary and a current medication list. That helps your doctor spot patterns and makes care faster in an emergency. If you notice new mood changes, unusual bruising, yellowing skin, severe rash, or sudden fatigue, contact your healthcare team right away.

Need specifics for your situation? Bring your questions and current meds to your next appointment — anticonvulsant choice and monitoring should be personal, not one-size-fits-all.