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Medical Therapeutics: Epilepsy. Mark Granner, MD Department of Neurology University of Iowa. Principles of Treatment. Pick the medication most appropriate for the seizure type(s) Use one medication at a time. If the first fails, convert over to a second agent and withdraw the first.
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Medical Therapeutics: Epilepsy Mark Granner, MD Department of Neurology University of Iowa
Principles of Treatment • Pick the medication most appropriate for the seizure type(s) • Use one medication at a time. If the first fails, convert over to a second agent and withdraw the first. • Use medication plasma concentrations (“blood levels”) as a guideline, but don’t base dose changes solely on the level. • Beware of certain populations of patients (pregnant women, elderly) where pharmacokinetics are altered. • Consider medication withdrawal if seizure-free for at least 2 years.
Properties of an Ideal AED • Oral and IV formulations • Readily absorbed • Effective • No side effects • Long half-life • No drug-drug interactions • No protein binding • No hepatic enzyme effects • Inexpensive
Reduce excitation Inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels Inhibit glutamate channels Inhibit calcium channels Promote inhibition Enhance GABA activity Increase GABA levels Activate GABA receptors AED Mechanisms of Action
Drug Interactions of Standard AEDs + + + - + Hepatic enzyme inducer - Hepatic enzyme inhibitor