MEGA Cross Categorical Special Education Practice Test

What side effect is a high school student taking anticonvulsant medication most likely to experience?

1. drowsiness

2. fever

3. confusion

4. hyperactivity

The correct answer is: drowsiness

Students taking anticonvulsant medication commonly experience drowsiness as a side effect. Anticonvulsants are used to manage seizures and epilepsy, and they often have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. This sedative effect can lead to feelings of fatigue or sleepiness, making drowsiness a prevalent issue among patients, especially among high school students who may be trying to manage academics alongside their treatment. While confusion can also be a side effect of certain anticonvulsants and might be experienced due to dosage or individual sensitivity to the medication, drowsiness is much more universally reported. Fever and hyperactivity are not typical side effects associated with anticonvulsants; in fact, they may indicate other medical issues or reactions that warrant investigation. Thus, drowsiness stands out as the most likely and commonly observed side effect for students in this demographic.