RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Historical perspective on the choice of antiepileptic drugs for the treatment of seizures in adults
JF Neurology
JO Neurology
FD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
SP 2
OP 7
DO 10.1212/WNL.33.3_Suppl_1.2
VO 33
IS 3 Suppl 1
A1 Dennis B. Smith
A1 Antonio V. Delgado Escueta
A1 Joyce A. Cramer
A1 Richard H. Mattson
YR 1983
UL http://n.neurology.org/content/33/3_Suppl_1/2.abstract
AB Although numerous reports have appeared in the literature over the past 100 years describing various antiepileptic drugs, it is not possible to justify preference for a particular drug to treat specific types of adult seizures. Since the introduction of bromides a century ago, numerous antiepileptic drugs have been developed. Four such drugs, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and primidone, have been found to be effective and acceptably safe for management of partial and secondarily generalized seizures. However, no studies have demonstrated the superior efficacy of any one drug. Clinical selection of therapy often is based on expected or assumed risk or absence of specific side effects. This review of classic papers demonstrates inconclusive and conflicting information. A new approach to the comparative evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of major antiepileptic drugs is needed.