Side Effects Of Anticonvulsants

Liver Issues

Several anticonvulsants can cause liver issues and liver disease. Because of the potential for liver damage, a doctor might monitor the patient through periodic blood tests. If a medication has the potential to cause liver damage, it's important to be aware of the symptoms and seek treatment when needed. This can help prevent the damage from leading to acute liver failure, which can only be treated by a liver transplant. Carbamazepine, valproate, and phenytoin are some of the most common drugs that cause drug-induced liver damage. In addition, if patients already have liver disease, treatment for epilepsy can complicate the progression. It's important to choose the right medication and monitor the effects closely. Picking the right medication can be complicated because the majority of medicines are metabolized through the liver itself.

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Weight Gain

Weight gain is a very common side effect of the majority of anticonvulsants. Each patient may experience weight changes differently. For example, some individuals find they gain only five pounds, and others gain twenty to thirty pounds (or even more). The amount of weight gain a patient has while on anticonvulsants often depends on the specific type of anticonvulsant they are taking and the dosage prescribed. Patients with epilepsy and other conditions that are treated with anticonvulsants could need to take more than one to manage their symptoms, and these individuals might notice more weight gain. To control weight gain while taking these medications, it may be helpful to consult a nutritionist for advice about meal planning and to follow a calorie-controlled diet. Patients can monitor their weight regularly at home, and they should mention any concerning weight changes to their prescribing physician. If weight gain is severe or unmanageable, it may be possible to try different anticonvulsants or anticonvulsant combinations that minimize this.

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