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Monitoring for Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs
Author(s) -
Camfield Peter,
Camfield Carol
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
epilepsia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.687
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1528-1167
pISSN - 0013-9580
DOI - 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00657.x
Subject(s) - medicine , epilepsy , adverse effect , antiepileptic drug , clinical neurology , pharmacology , neuroscience , psychology , psychiatry
Summary: Best practices for monitoring the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have not been carefully studied. Routine blood and urine studies do not appear to be of value in asymptomatic patients to avoid severe acute reactions. Subtle chronic AED side effects exist but algorithms for their detection and treatment are not well developed. Randomized clinical trials do not support the value of routine AED serum levels to improve compliance, seizure control, or avoid side effects. Simple screening procedures for neurotoxicity have not been developed. Some personal suggestions are offered.