New antiepileptic drugs and preparations

Over the past decade, several new antiepileptic drugs have become commercia lly available, including new formulations of some of the older medications. This article reviews these new medications, indications, and possible pote ntial side effects. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics because the new antiepileptic drugs are used primarily as adjunctive therapy, and interacti ons with other medications can result in significant toxicities. This artic le concludes with a discussion of issues related to seizure management in e lderly patients, with focus on altered pharmacokinetics from drug interacti ons and altered physiologic function.