Emerging antiepileptic drugs

Fisher, Robert S. MD, PhD

Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Robert S. Fisher, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013–4496.

Neurology 43(11):p S12-S20, November 1993.

Article abstract

The introduction of several new antiepileptic drugs in the United States is likely in 1993. Many new drugs have undergone testing, but the four currently considered the most important are felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and vigabatrin. When these drugs are used as add-on therapy for patients with intractable epilepsy, 20 to 60% of patients show at least a 50% improvement in seizure frequency and 7% become seizure free. An overview of these agents is presented.