As with all medicines, anti-epileptic drugs have many possible side-effects. Common side-effects that affect people in later life include unsteadiness and sleepiness. Side-effects often happen when you start taking a new anti-epileptic drug, or if the dose is too high for you. If you have side-effects, tell your doctor. They might lower the dose or suggest you change to a different anti-epileptic drug.
- More information about anti-epileptic drug side-effects is available from Epilepsy Action
Anti-epileptic drugs and your bones
Some anti-epileptic drugs may cause your bones to become thinner and more brittle. These anti-epileptic drugs are carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and sodium valproate.
If you have thin or brittle bones, there’s more risk that they will break if you fall. If you are concerned that you may be at risk of having weaker bones, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They may suggest ways to look after your bones, such as taking vitamin supplements and exercising, where appropriate.
Memory
Some people find that their memory gets worse with age, without there being any particular cause. Epilepsy and anti-epileptic drugs can make memory problems worse, particularly if the dose is too high. If you have problems with your memory, talk to your epilepsy specialist. They may make changes to your anti-epileptic drugs, to see if this helps.
We can provide references and information on the source material we use to write our epilepsy advice and information pages. Please contact our Epilepsy Helpline by email at helpline@epilepsy.org.uk.
This information has been produced under the terms of The Information Standard.
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Updated January 2011To be reviewed January 2013
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Comments
Major side effects of antiepileptics is as a result of nutritional depletion,such as deficiency of vitamins and other important body molecules such that the effect is that of the absence of those macro and microelements.