The following is a list of potential side effects of different classes of seizure medications.
Cat seizure medication side effects.
Common side effects include sleepiness and incoordination in dogs and decreased appetite incoordination drooling and sleepiness in cats.
The two most commonly used prescription anti seizure medications for pets are phenobarbital pb and potassium bromide kbr or k brovet potassium bromide.
Accidental ingestion of certain human prescription medications such as antidepressants and adhd medications can land many feline patients in the icu with seizures.
Medications such as chlorazepate pregabalin and gabapentin have not been well studied in cats.
Mild side effects are common particularly at the beginning of treatment or following changes in the regime.
The most common cause of a seizure in a cat is toxin exposure.
If the phenobarbital medication is not making a significant change in the frequency and severity of the seizure activity an additional drug such as diazepam or.
In most cases if a cat has one seizure he is likely to have another eventually.
Diazepam is not used to prevent seizures in dogs because the effects last about 20 minutes.
Because of the stress on the liver that long term anticonvulsant use can cause the medicine is usually not given to cats whose seizures are more than two months apart.
This document contains side effect information about levetiracetam.
Seizure medications have a variety of possible side effects.
Though some veterinarians do use them to control seizures and epilepsy in cats there is not a lot known about how these medications affect cats on a long term basis and what types of side effects to expect.
If side effects persist or seem severe notify your veterinarian.
Also most anti seizure medications can induce suicidal thoughts or actions and or bring on or worsen depression.
Do not use levetiracetam in pets that are allergic to it.
Give as directed by your veterinarian.
Common side effects of keppra include.
Cats with epilepsy can be given diazepam as well as pb and kbr because the effects last 20 hours.
Seizures can also result from exposure to toxins like antifreeze ethylene glycol or the application of flea and tick medications intended for use only on dogs and not cats.
However not every cat that has recurring seizures will be put on long term medication.
Cats who experience frequent seizures and those who are diagnosed with epilepsy are typically prescribed an anticonvulsant medication most commonly a drug called phenobarbital.
If a negative reaction occurs please call your veterinary.
Infection neurosis drowsiness asthenia headache nasopharyngitis nervousness abnormal behavior aggressive behavior agitation anxiety apathy depersonalization depression.
This chemical is often used in over the counter flea treatments especially ones that are designed for dogs and can be toxic to cats.
Levetiracetam is given by mouth or injection and is used off label to treat seizures and epilepsy.
Most side effects are temporary and disappear as the cat becomes used to the medication.
