Side effects of medications used to treat seizures

Seizures
It is a sudden change in behavior due to an excessive electrical activity in the brain. 
ConsiderationsDepending on the part of the brain affected, a wide variety of possible symptoms of a stroke or seizure. Many types of seizures cause loss of consciousness with twitching or shaking of the body. However, some seizures consist of staring spells that can easily go unnoticed. Occasionally, they can cause temporary abnormal sensations or visual disturbances.
Usually, attacks or seizures can be classified into "simple" (no change in level of consciousness) or "complex" (change in level of consciousness). Can also be classified as generalized (whole body affected) or focal (affecting only one part or side of the body).
Epilepsy is a chronic disorder with recurrent seizures. Some types of epilepsy are hereditary.
See also:

•     Epilepsy
•     Crisis petit mal
•     Tonic-clonic (grand mal seizure)
•     Partial (focal)
•     Temporal lobe seizures
•     Febrile seizure (convulsions in children with high fever)

Causes
Any condition that results in abnormal electrical excitation of the brain can trigger a seizure, including:

•     Epilepsy
•     Injury or trauma to the head
•     Infection (brain abscesses, meningitis)
•     Brain tumor
•     Stroke

Also, any medical condition that irritates brain cells. Medical conditions that commonly cause seizures include:

•     Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
•     Drug use (especially cocaine or stimulants)
•     high fever (fever convulsions in children)
•     Alcohol withdrawal

Home Care
People with epilepsy should always wear a medical alert tag.
Most seizures are self-limiting and stop by themselves after various periods of time. However, the victim may get hurt, suck some food, liquid or vomiting, or not getting enough oxygen. During a seizure is important to protect the victim from injury. He turns the head of the victim if there is vómito.Ver first aid in case of attack.
After a convulsion, most people go into a deep sleep. Do not stop to sleep. It is possible that after awakening disoriented for some time.
Stay with the person until recovery or until professional medical help arrives. Meanwhile, monitor their pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure.

•     DO NOT restrain the victim
•     DO NOT place anything between the teeth during a seizure (including your fingers)
•     DO NOT move the victim unless it is in danger or near something hazardous
•     DO NOT try to stop the seizure of the victim, the person can not control the seizure and did not realize what is happening.
•     DO NOT give anything by mouth to the victim until the convulsions have stopped and the person is fully conscious and alert

Some patients with epilepsy, they may implant a vagus nerve stimulator in the chest, which may stop the seizures will activate this device. Other patients may be prescribed medication to administer rectally during a seizure. Do not give anything by mouth, even medications. 
Call your doctor ifInform your doctor about all seizures (even if mild). People affected by epilepsy or recurrent seizures should visit the doctor to adjust medications or other instructions.
If this is the first time that a seizure or if there is a new type of seizure, bring the patient to the doctor immediately, as these symptoms may indicate a terminal condition such as stroke or meningitis.
PreventionThere is no specific way to prevent attacks. If necessary, use of a helmet to prevent injury, which will reduce the chances of a brain injury and subsequent attacks. Avoid recreational drugs. People with epilepsy should take medication as instructed by your doctor and avoid taking excessive amounts of alcohol.What to expect at the doctor's
The doctor does a physical exam and ask questions that help you learn the cause of the attack. Here are some of the questions:

•     Did it happen or start on one side of the body?
•     There movement of muscles and if so, what was the pattern?
•     Are there risk factors (such as recent head injury)?
•     Are remained conscious during the attack?
•     How long did the attack?
•     What is the frequency of the seizures?
•     Is there any warning (aura) of the attack?
•     Were there any other symptoms (visual changes, abnormal smells)?

You can perform the following tests:

•     Head CT or MRI of the head
•     EEG
•     Lumbar puncture
•     Blood tests

Often medications are prescribed which must be taken with great precision following your doctor's instructions. Family members should observe and keep a diary of all attacks in order to get proper treatment.
People with uncontrolled seizures should not drive. Each state has a different law that determines which patients are allowed to drive. People who suffer from seizures should not swim or ride a bike without company. 
ReferencesGoetz, CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, MO: WB Saunders, 2003: 1158-1160.
Marx J. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby, 2002:145-149, 1445.
Hirtz D, Ashwal S, Berg A, et al. Practice parameter: Evaluating a first seizure in children nonfebrile: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, the Child Neurology Society, and the American Epilepsy Society. Neurology. 2000, 55, 616-623.