General side effects and challenges associated with anti-epilepsy medication : a review of related literature

• Published in: African journal of primary health care & family medicine Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 1 - 5
• Main Authors: Tsvere, Maria, Chiweshe, Manase K, Mutanana, Ngonidzashe
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa AOSIS 2020; African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd
• Subjects: Anti-epilepsy medication; Anticonvulsants; Anticonvulsants - adverse effects; Brain research; Cognition - drug effects; Complications and side effects; Convulsions & seizures; Developing Countries; Drug therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - economics; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions - psychology; Drugs; economic challenge; Economic challenges; Employment; Epilepsy; Epilepsy - complications; Epilepsy - drug therapy; Female; General side effects; Humans; Male; Medication Adherence; Patients; Psychological challenges; Review; Side effects; Social challenges; Asia; Zimbabwe; psychological challenges; economic challenge; social challenges; general side effects; anti-epilepsy medication
• ISSN: 2071-2928; 2071-2936
• DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2162

Background: This study is coming against the background of people with epilepsy who are abandoning anti-epilepsy medication in developing countries, such as Zimbabwe. Aim: The aim of this article was therefore to review the general side effects and challenges associated with these anti-epilepsy medications. Setting: The researchers reviewed literature related to the general side effects, psychological, social and economic challenges associated with anti- epilepsy medication. Methods: To answer the research questions, the researchers used a narrative approach. Results: Findings of the study reflected that the general side effects associated with antiepilepsy medication include feelings of tiredness, stomach upset, dizziness or blurred vision, which usually happen during the first weeks of taking medicines. Psychologically, an individual with epilepsy may suffer cognitive problems that are associated with thinking, remembering, paying attention or concentrating and finding the right words to use. Socially, people with epilepsy experience social isolation, dependent behaviour, low rates of marriages, unemployment and reduced quality of life. Using anti-epilepsy medication is also associated with economic challenges. Conclusion: The researchers concluded that some people with epilepsy have discontinued using anti-epilepsy medications because of these side effects and challenges.