Pharmacology of antiepileptic drugs in clinical practice

Improved understanding of the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may help the clinician to make a rational choice of the AED based on the knowledge of which drug is most effective against each type of seizure.

It is generally accepted that freedom from seizure can be most probably achieved by combining drugs whose mechanisms of action are different and act in a synergistic manner. Combining AEDs in a rational polytherapy as some investigators suggest requires a deep understanding of their pharmacology, in particular their mechanisms of action. This is important in clinical practice so that they can be used effectively.

The authors draw attention to the importance of knowing fully the pharmacological properties of AEDs to be able to understand not only the mechanisms by which the AEDs are effective, but also the mechanisms producing the adverse reactions profile of individual patients taking specific drugs.