Pharmacological management of epilepsy

Abstract

There have been significant advances in the management of epilepsy since the appearance of bromide in 1857. In the last decade, many new drugs have been developed and general understanding of the condition has improved. Here, Pharmacist Epilepsy Practitioner, Carole Brown, considers the current choice of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), mode of action, newer AEDS, when to start treatment, epilepsy guidelines, adverse effects of AEDs, generic substitution, therapeutic drug monitoring, driving, contraception and bone health.