[Side-effects of antiepileptic treatment: the current state of the problem]

The current treatment of epilepsy is directed not only at the control of seizures and comorbid states but at the improvement of quality of life and destigmatization that is the key strategic direction. The basis of treatment of epilepsy is a long-term regular taking of antiepileptic drugs (AED). However, it has been shown that quality of life of patients depends not only on clinical presentations of the disease, including seizures and higher mental functions, but on the tolerability of AED. The safety of these drugs becomes the most important component of the treatment even compared to the control of seizures. Therefore, tolerability and compliance (a patient's adherence to a recommended course of treatment, common understanding between a doctor and a patient as well as his/her relatives) receive special attention. The timed detection and correction of side-effects is an integral component of treatment of epilepsy. In some cases, the presence of rare seizures with minimal clinical presentations and even more frequent seizures that are not danger for a patient seems to be more appropriate than the increase in the number and doses of AED reducing quality of life. The balance between therapeutic and toxic effects of AED is a key issue of treatment of epilepsy.