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©2013 UpToDate ® Print Email Anti-seizure medications Drug name Tablet/capsule Liquid/syrup Side effects* Carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Carbatrol®) X (including chewable) X Diarrhea, rash, serious allergic reaction, low blood sodium levels Ethosuximide (Zarontin®) X X Trouble sleeping, hyperactivity Lacosamide (Vimpat®) X Heart rhythm changes Rufinamide (Banzel®) X Heart rhythm changes Gabapentin (Neurontin®) X X Weight gain Lamotrigine (Lamictal® X (including chewable) Rash, with risk of a serious allergic reaction Levtiracetam (Keppra®) X X Aggressive behavior, irritability Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®) X X Rash, serious allergic reaction, low blood sodium levels Phenobarbital (Luminal®) X X Slowed thinking, rash, hyperactivity and other behavioral changes in children Phenytoin (Dilantin®, Phenytek®) X (including chewable) X Abnormal growth of the gums, increased body hair, rash, swollen lymph nodes (glands) Pregabalin (Lyrica®) X Weight gain Tiagabine (Gabitril®) X Tremor, difficulty concentrating, abdominal pain Topiramate (Topamax®) X (capsule may be opened and sprinkled on food) Weight loss, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; difficulty thinking clearly Valproic acid (Depakote®, Depakene®) X (capsule may be opened and sprinkled on food) X Weight gain, hair loss, bruising, tremor, liver toxicity Zonisamide (Zonegran®) X Weight loss, difficulty thinking clearly Many of these medications can also cause sedation and/or fatigue, dizziness, double vision and nausea. * These side effects occur in some, not most patients.