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Pharmacy- Drug Information  

Drugs That Treat Seizures
(Anticonvulsants)

The Generic (common) Name of the drug is listed first, followed by a specific Product (brand) Name, which is an example of that generic drug. To learn more about an individual drug, click on its Generic Name or Product Name.

 
Examples:
 
Generic Name Marketer Example Product Name
Phenobarbital Wyeth-Ayerst, division of American Home Products Phenobarbital
Pentobarbital Abbott Laboratories Nembutal
Carbamazepine Novartis Pharmaceuticals Tegretol
Gabapentin Parke-Davis, division of Warner-Lambert Neruontin
Lorazepam American Home Products Ativan
Phenytoin Parke-Davis, division of Warner-Lambert Dilantin
Fosphenytoin Parke-Davis, division of Warner-Lambert Cerebyx


 
What is an anticonvulsant drug?
Seizures (convulsions) occur when the brain produces abnormal and uncontrolled electrical impulses. These impulses often cause the arms and legs to move in shaking fashion. These drugs help prevent the brain from producing abnormal electrical impulses.

 
Why is it given?
The doctor determines that the patient's brain is producing abnormal electrical impulses (seizure activity) or at risk to produce these impulses.

 
How long is it used?
Sometimes this medicine is only needed for a few days. Under different circumstances, one or more of these drugs may be required for the rest of the patient's life.

 
Does it have side effects?
Side effects do occur. Some are minor and some are potentially serious. Each drug has its own set of complications and you should ask the doctor or nurse how this drug might affect the patient.
 


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