available over the counter: no

uses: treatment of certain types of seizures;  because of high rate of side effects, used when other medications have failed to control seizures

mechanism of action:  depresses activity of certain parts of the brain

side effects
• common: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal cramps, nervousness
• less common: blurred vision, double vision, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dry mouth
• serious: sore throat, fever, swollen glands, blistering of the skin

concerns: do not stop abruptly; taper over weeks to months