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Antiepileptic Drug Selection and Adverse Effects: An Overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 September 2015

J. Bruni Jr.*
Affiliation:
University of Toronto and Division of Neurology, The Wellesley Hospital, Toronto
*
The Wellesley Hospital, Room 318, Jones Building, 160 Wellesley Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4Y 1J3
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Abstract:

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In choosing an antiepileptic drug, not only efficacy but also potential adverse effects have to be considered. Adverse effects that have to be taken into account include acute and chronic systemic toxicity, cognitive side effects, and teratogenesis. Acute toxicity may be dose-related, allergic or an idiosyncratic reaction. Chronic toxicity may involve the nervous system or other organs. In determining the role of new antiepileptic drugs such as lamotrigine, vigabatrin, felbamate, and gabapentin a proper evaluation of both efficacy and adverse effects is required.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation 1994

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