- Antiepileptics come in a variety of classes, the drugs within each class having similarities of function and side effects. Some of these include hydantoins, barbiturates and barbiturate-like drugs, benzodiazepines, succinimides, and other unclassified drugs.
- Many side effects involve central nervous system (CNS) depression, the effects of which include depression, confusion, drowsiness, lethargy, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth, anorexia, cardiac arrhythmias, and changes in blood pressure, urinary retention, and loss of libido. All antiepileptics can cause these side effects because their goal is to impact the central nervous system.
- Some antiepileptics also cause gastrointestinal (GI) depression, which can include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, weight loss, GI pain, and constipation or diarrhea. The drugs most commonly known for this side effect fall into the succinimide group, as well as some of the unclassified drugs.
- Bone marrow suppression is a common side effect of antiepileptic drugs; this is particularly dangerous because bone marrow is responsible for producing blood cells and depressing it too far can be highly damaging to the body. The drugs with which bone marrow suppression is most often seen include the succinimides, hydantoins, and some of the unclassified drugs.
- Some of these drugs are linked to physical dependence and withdrawal, much akin to what is experienced with certain narcotics or illegal drugs. The antiepileptics more commonly known for dependence are the benzodiazepines and Phenobarbital.
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