New antiepileptic therapies.

Abstract

This is an exciting time for AED development. Four new AEDs have been approved for use in the last 3 years and several more are being evaluated. New formulations of traditional therapies, such as Tegretol XR, and IV and IM fosphenytoin offer alternatives for the management of acute and chronic seizure disorders (see "Clip & Save" and "What's News"). With these new treatments options, providers will be challenged to choose the most appropriate drug or drug combination for their patients based on seizure type, AED mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic properties, adverse effects, and drug interactions.