Newer Therapies in the Drug Treatment of Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE:To provide a review of recent developments in the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search was performed to identify pertinent literature (1966–June 2001). Selected articles emphasized those published from 1997 to 2001. Bibliographies of identified articles were also evaluated.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All identifiable sources written in English.DATA SYNTHESIS:Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder, and antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstays of therapy. The focus of this article is on the 3 latest AEDs — Levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and zonisamide. We discuss human data published as both original studies and reviews from the last 4 years, except where noted. We apply a general template for all 3 drugs and provide information on clinical trials, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and clinical use.CONCLUSIONS:Levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and zonisamide are reasonable options for many patients whose seizures are not yet controlled or who suffe...