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In short: Phenytoin, known in the UK by the brand name Epanutin, is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) with a narrow margin between an effective blood level and a level that causes side effects. Small dose changes can produce large changes in blood level, which is why phenytoin levels are monitored and why staying on the…

Category: Treatments

Carbamazepine, commonly prescribed as Tegretol (amongst other brand names), is a long-established anti-seizure medication (ASM). It is effective for many people, but it interacts with a number of other medicines and has a few serious reactions worth understanding. This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for advice from a prescriber, pharmacist or…

Category: Treatments

Lamotrigine, commonly prescribed under the brand name Lamictal (amongst other brand names), is one of the most widely used anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in the UK. It is often chosen because many people tolerate it well, but like any ASM it can cause side effects, and there are a small number of serious reactions that everyone…

Category: Treatments

Sodium valproate, commonly prescribed as Epilim (amongst other brand names), is one of the most effective anti-seizure medications (ASMs) for certain seizure types. It is also the ASM with the most significant safety requirements in the UK, particularly around pregnancy, and these have been updated recently. This guide explains the side effects and the current…

Category: Treatments

Topiramate, commonly prescribed by the brand name Topamax (amongst other brand names), is an anti-seizure medication (ASM) used to help control seizures and to prevent migraine. It can be very effective, but it has a distinctive side-effect profile and important safety measures around pregnancy that everyone taking it should understand. This guide is general information…

Category: Treatments

Levetiracetam (brand names Keppra and Desitrend) is a widely used anti-seizure medication (ASM). Common side effects include drowsiness, headaches, a blocked nose, feeling sick, and mood or behaviour changes such as irritability. Most ease as the body adjusts. This article is general information, not medical advice: speak to your prescriber about any concerns, and never…

Category: Treatments