Table 1

Common antiepileptic drugs, indications, common side effects and maintenance doses.

DrugsIndicationsSide effectsMaintenance (mg/kg/d)
CarbamazepineGeneralized tonic-clonic, partial, seizuresRash, hepatitis, diplopia, aplastic anemia, leukopenia10 – 40
ClonazepamMyoclonic, akinetic, partial seizures, infantile spasms, Lennox-GastautFatigue, behavioral issues, salivation0.05 – 0.30
EthosuximideAbsence epilepsyGI upset, weight gain, lethargy, SLE, rash20 – 40
FelbamateRefractory Severe epilepsyAplastic anemia, hepatotoxicity15 – 45
GabapentinPartial and secondary generalized seizuresFatigue, dizziness diarrhea, ataxia20 – 70
LamotrigineComplex partial, atonic, myoclonic, absence, tonic-clonic, Lennox-Gastaut, infantile spasmHeadache, nausea, rash, diplopia, steven-Johnson syndrome, GI upset5 – 15
LevetiracetamAdjunctive therapy for refractory partial seizuresHeadache, anorexia, fatigue, infection, behavioral issues10 – 60
OxcarbazepineAdjunctive therapy for partial seizuresFatigue, low sodium, nausea, ataxia, rash10 – 45
PhenobarbitalGeneralized tonic-clonic, partial myoclonicSedation, behavioral issues2 – 6
PhenytoinGeneralized tonic-clonic, partial, atonic, myoclonic, neonatalGum hyperplasia, hirsutism, ataxia, steven-Johnson syndrome, lymphoma4 – 8
TopiramateComplex partial seizuresFatigue, nephrolithiasis, ataxia, headache, tremor, GI upset1 – 9
Valproic acidGeneralized tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic, partial, akinetic, infantile spasmGI upset, liver involvement, tremor, alopecia, sedation, weight gain10 – 60
VigabatrinInfantile spasm, adjunctive therapy, for refractory seizuresWeight gain, behavior changes, visual field constriction30 – 150
ZonisamideAdjunctive therapy for focal seizures, atonic, infantile spasmsFatigue, ataxia, anorexia, GI upset, headache, skin rash2 – 8

  • SLE - systemic lupus erythematosus, GI - gastrointestinal