Issues in the Treatment of Epilepsy

The 2001 document outlines the complexities of treating epilepsy, focusing on the need for patient adherence to medication schedules to prevent seizures and the difficulty in balancing seizure control with the side effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It discusses the narrow therapeutic range of AEDs, the introduction of newer drugs like levetiracetam, and the necessity for physicians to be well-informed about AED properties to tailor treatments to individual patients. The paper also addresses the significance of drug interactions, particularly in elderly patients, and the teratogenic risks for women of childbearing age. It notes that while AEDs generally show no significant difference in efficacy for partial seizures, their effectiveness varies by seizure type, making the understanding of both the drugs and epilepsy syndromes essential for optimal treatment. The document also reviews various AEDs, their effectiveness, side effects, and safety concerns, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans and knowledge of AED properties for effective and cost-efficient epilepsy management.