What are the side effects of anticonvulsant drugs?
The most common side effects are constipation, mild nausea or vomiting, and mild dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. These problems usually go away as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment. Less common side effects, such as diarrhea, sleep problems, aching joints or muscles, increased sensitivity to sunlight, increased sweating, hair loss, enlargement of facial features, excessive hair growth, muscle twitching, and breast enlargement in males also may occur and do not need medical attention unless they persist or are troublesome. Other side effects may need medical attention. If any of these side effects occur, check with a physician as soon as possible: • clumsiness or unsteadiness • slurred speech or stuttering • trembling • unusual excitement, irritability, or nervousness • uncontrolled eye movements • blurred or double vision • mood or mental changes • confusion • increase in seizures • bleeding, tender, or swollen gums • skin rash or itching • en
