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
• less common: indigestion, weakness, runny nose, depression, mood changes, trembling
• serious: sore throat, fever, swollen glands, blistering of the skin

concerns: do not stop medication abruptly;  taper, per physician, over weeks