available over the counter: no

uses: treatment of certain types of seizures;  often used in conjunction with other anticonvulsant medications

mechanism of action: depresses activity of parts of the brain

side effects
• common: drowsiness, fatigue, clumsiness, double vision, nausea, vomiting, insomnia
• less common: hair loss, weight gain, depression, disorientation
• serious: fever, sore throat, blistering of skin, mouth sores, easy bruising

concerns: do not stop medication abruptly;  taper, per physician over weeks