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Treatment of Epilepsy in the New Millennium
Author(s) -
Pellock John M.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
pharmacotherapy: the journal of human pharmacology and drug therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.227
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1875-9114
pISSN - 0277-0008
DOI - 10.1592/phco.20.12.129s.35252
Subject(s) - felbamate , lamotrigine , oxcarbazepine , tiagabine , carbamazepine , medicine , primidone , vigabatrin , epilepsy , levetiracetam , gabapentin , topiramate , lacosamide , zonisamide , generalized epilepsy , ethosuximide , anesthesia , anticonvulsant , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pathology
Treatment options for epilepsy have increased markedly since 1990, when only carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, and valproate were used commonly for partial and secondarily generalized seizures. Those with primary generalized seizures received ethosuximide or valproate. Over the past decade, however, additional agents have been introduced, with the promise of improved seizure control and minimal side effects. The new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)—felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, tiagabine, topiramate, vigabatrin and oxcarbazepine—have demonstrated superior efficacy for some with refractory epilepsy. In addition, the new agents frequently are better tolerated when used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. The optimal place for the new AED will require additional studies and careful postmarketing surveillance and assessments. Although these AEDs offer benefits, not all patients with epilepsy have responded. Thus, the search for new AEDs continues.