Antiepileptic drug use in nursing home residents: a cross-sectional, regional study

The use of antiepileptic drugs (AED), their primary indication, comorbid conditions, and concomitant medications were collected from 565 nursing homes (NH) residents of six NH located around the city of Mainz, Germany representing 5.05% of all NH residents in the area. Data were collected from the electronic pharmacy files and by reviewing all available medical records. Average age was 82.2 +/- 2.4 years, 85.5% were women. Of 565 NH residents 28 (4.96%) received AED therapy, of which in 17 (63%) AED were prescribed for a seizure-related diagnosis. In 76.5% seizure types were unspecified and a distinction in focal and generalized epilepsy was made in only 23.5% of patients. Three patients never had epileptic seizures and in four residents the reason for AED use was unclear. AEDs most frequently prescribed were carbamazepine (37.1%), valproic acid (25.9%), and phenytoin (14.8%). Five patients received benzodiazepines (18.5%), newer generation AED were used in only four (14.8%) cases. Residents on average took n = 5.6 +/- 3.3 other drugs. Opportunities exist for health care professionals to improve the medical management of nursing facility residents receiving AEDs.