US Medical Term · medications
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsivo
Also: Antiepiléptico (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Anticonvulsant |
| Spanish (Español) | Anticonvulsivo |
| Chinese (中文) | 抗癲癇藥 |
| Korean (한국어) | 항경련제 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thuốc chống co giật |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Anticonvulsant |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anticonvulsivante |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ยากันชัก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 抗てんかん薬 |
What it means
Anticonvulsants, also called antiepileptic drugs, are medications used to prevent or reduce seizures in people with epilepsy. They are also used for nerve pain, bipolar disorder, and migraine prevention. Common anticonvulsants include levetiracetam (Keppra), gabapentin, valproic acid, and lamotrigine. It is critical to take these medications consistently at the same time each day. Missing doses can trigger seizures. Do not stop anticonvulsants suddenly without your doctor's guidance. Blood levels are sometimes monitored to ensure therapeutic dosing. Some anticonvulsants interact with hormonal birth control, reducing its effectiveness — discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Is this medication an anticonvulsant for seizures or for another condition?
¿Este medicamento es un anticonvulsivo para convulsiones o para otra condición?
What should I do if I miss a dose of my seizure medication?
¿Qué debo hacer si me olvido de tomar una dosis de mi medicamento para las convulsiones?
Can this anticonvulsant affect my birth control?
¿Este anticonvulsivo puede afectar mi método anticonceptivo?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026