INTEGRATED USE OF OLD AND NEW ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS

Three new antiepileptic drugs have been approved for use in the USA in the past year and a half and several others are available in Europe a nd Japan. Each of these drugs has been efficacious against partial sei zures without or with secondary generalization and some may also be ef ficacious against primary generalized seizures. None of the new drugs appears to be a quantum leap in therapy over the others that are alrea dy available. How these new drugs will be integrated into a rational s cheme for the treatment of individuals with epilepsy remains to be det ermined. Side-effect profiles, pharmacokinetic issues, and cost will l ikely be significant issues.