Table 11.
Rates of specific adverse effects for the antiepileptic drug treatments reported to be most effective
| Adverse Effects | Valproic Acid | Lamotrigine | Levetiracetam | Ethosuximide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mood Instability or Anger | 10% | 10% | 21% | 4% |
| Behavioral Change | 5% | 3% | 8% | 0% |
| Drowsiness/tiredness/fatigue | 10% | 4% | 8% | 7% |
| Change in appetite or weight | 11% | 2% | 3% | 7% |
| Increase in seizures | 2% | 5% | 4% | 7% |
| Constipation or diarrhea | 3% | 2% | 1% | 0% |
| Sleep disruption | 4% | 5% | 3% | 4% |
| Inattention or confusion | 4% | 3% | 4% | 0% |
| Rash or allergic reaction | 1% | 7% | 1% | 0% |
| Hyperactivity | 4% | 3% | 3% | 4% |
| Nausea and/or vomiting | 2% | 3% | 1% | 4% |
| Ataxia, tremor or dizziness | 6% | 3% | 1% | 0% |
| Unusual infection | 1% | 0% | 1% | 0% |
| Movement disorder | 1% | 2% | 2% | 0% |
| Anxiety | 1% | 1% | 2% | 0% |
| Headache | 1% | 3% | 0% | 0% |
| Hair loss | 3% | 1% | 0% | 0% |
| Visual disturbances | 0% | 1% | 1% | 0% |
| Speech disturbance | 3% | 4% | 4% | 0% |
| Enuresis | 1% | 0% | 1% | 0% |
| Other | 6% | 0% | 2% | 4% |