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What guides the choice of an Anti Epileptic Drugs aside from spectrum of action
If an epilepsy syndrome is diagnosed, there are certain AEDs that are first line.
Otherwise, within the classes of broad- and narrow-spectrum medications, one medication is not clearly more efficacious than another; therefore, side effects and comorbidities are key reasons in choosing an AED.
Preferred Antiepileptic Drugs (AEDs) for Specific Epileptic Syndromes
Epileptic Syndrome | AED of Choice |
---|---|
Childhood absence epilepsy | Ethosuximide > valproic acid/lamotrigine/levetiracetam |
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy | Valproic acid/levetiracetam/lamotrigine > topiramate/zonisamide |
Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS) | Valproic acid/lamotrigine/felbamate/clobazam (carbamazepine/tiagabine can lead to status epilepticus) |
LGS with drop seizures | Rufinamide |
West syndrome | Adrenocorticotropic hormone (vigabatrin if tuberous sclerosis) |
Courtesy of Zulfi Haneef