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. 2007 Jan;4(1):4–11. doi: 10.1016/j.nurt.2006.11.005

Currently available antiepileptic drugs

Steven C Schachter 1,✉
PMCID: PMC7479698  PMID: 17199013

Summary

Many new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have become available over the past 15 years. At the same time, the emphasis on treating patients with epilepsy has grown from stopping seizures to avoiding side effects and maximizing quality of life. This review summarizes currently available AEDs, and presents general treatment principles and guidelines for AED selection. Unfortunately, despite the increased treatment options of today, seizure freedom without side effects remains unattainable for too many patients with epilepsy. Consequently, there remains a significant need for further development of new therapies.

Key Words: Epilepsy, seizure, antiepileptic drug, refractory, side effects

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