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 certain parts of the brain

side effects
• common: fatigue, dizziness, sedation, clumsiness, unsteadiness, vomiting, tremor
• less common: diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, sleep disturbance
• serious: sore throat, fever, swollen glands, blistering of the skin

concerns: side effects present within the first few weeks or therapy may diminish