What are the side effects of Anticonvulsants for cancer pain?

Cancer patients suffer from various pains, both due to the disease itself and due to treatment procedures. There are quite a few ways to elevate these pains, one of which is through anticonvulsant drugs.

Anticonvulsants are a type of drug that is generally used in preventing or relieving convulsions. They are usually used to treat patients with seizure disorders. These drugs work by changing the process in which calcium and sodium travel across the nerve cells of the brain. When these signals are fewer, the brain feels less pain. These drugs can also be used in treating patients with cancer, to relieve pain.

Anticonvulsant drug use can result in a number of side-effects, including

Dilantin, Topamax, Tegretol, Trileptal, Neurontin, Lyrica, Keppra and Zonegran are all brands of anticonvulsants that help reduce cancer pains. These drugs are usually started at low doses, but may be increased in order to contain pain levels.  Anticonvulsant drugs may have a bad impact on the psych of the user, and doctors should monitor for suicidal behavior.