Corticosteroids and antiseizure medicines (anticonvulsants)

Corticosteroids and antiseizure medicines (anticonvulsants) are commonly used for people with brain and spinal cord tumours. They do not treat the tumour, but they help lessen the symptoms caused by the tumours and their treatment.

Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexasone), are used to lessen increased intracranial pressure and control swelling in the brain (cerebral edema) or around the spinal cord (spinal edema). Swelling is caused by the growing tumour pressing on areas of the brain or spinal cord. Normal tissue may also swell as a reaction to surgery or radiation.

Corticosteroids can also help treat symptoms, such as pain, headaches, nausea or vomiting. The drug is given at the lowest effective dose for each person and the amount is gradually reduced until treatment is finished. No corticosteroids are given after treatment is done.

Side effects of corticosteroids will depend mainly on the type of drug or combination of drugs, the dose, how it’s given and your overall health. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from corticosteroids. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.

Corticosteroids may cause these side effects:

• increased risk of infection
• digestive problems such as nausea and heartburn
• increased blood sugar levels
• increased appetite and weight gain
• mood changes, restlessness, excitement or nervousness

Antiseizure medicines (anticonvulsants) are used to prevent seizures. Seizures are common in people with brain tumours and may occur before diagnosis and during the course of the disease. Antiseizure drugs such as levetiracetam (Keppra) are given to people with brain tumours who have already had a seizure.

Antiseizure drugs are not given to prevent seizures in people who have not had seizures.

Side effects of antiseizure medicines will depend mainly on the type of drug or combination of drugs, the dose, how it’s given and your overall health. Tell your healthcare team if you have side effects that you think are from antiseizure medicines. The sooner you tell them of any problems, the sooner they can suggest ways to help you deal with them.

Levetiracetam may cause these side effects:

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• feeling angry or aggressive
• depression
• skin problems including a rash and itching
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• joint and muscle pain