Do anti-epileptic medications have many side effects?

Mostly--- yes: All anti-epileptic medications(aed) have side effects. The older drugs, dilantin, phenobarbital, tegretol and Depakote have a greater number of side effects than the newer generation of aeds. For most medications, the incidence and severity of side effects is dose related. The "art" of controlling seizures is balancing side effects, with decreasing seizure frequency while improving quality of life.

Yes, but it depends: There are over 20 anti-convulsant medications with various side effects. Each drug has a particular side effect profile. In general, the newer medications have less side effects. Some of the common side effects are drowsiness, mental slowing, rash, dizziness, headache. Some medications can affect blood counts, liver or kidney. We pick medications based on epilepsy type and least side effects.