Antiepileptic Drugs and Quality of Life in Patients with Epilepsy: A Tertiary Care Hospital-Based Study

The present study evaluated patterns of the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their impact on quality of life (QOL) in patients with epilepsy.

In this cross-sectional study, patients with epilepsy (age >18 years) receiving AEDs for at least 1 year were enrolled. Demographic, clinical, and treatment parameters were recorded. QOL was measured using the modified Quality of Life in Epilepsy Inventory-10 (QOLIE-10) questionnaire for epilepsy.

Of 200 patients, 53.5% were males and 60% were younger than 30 years. Seizures were predominantly partial (58%) and of idiopathic origin (61%). Monotherapy to polytherapy ratio was 1:1, with 70% of the patients on one new AED. Clobazam (37%) was used most frequently followed by phenytoin (25.5%), levetiracetam (23%), oxcarbazepine (21.5%), and carbamazepine (21%). Patients on polytherapy experienced a significantly more number of adverse drug reactions than did those on monotherapy (P < 0.0001). The mean QOLIE-10 score was 74.58 ± 20.60. There was no significant difference in seizure frequency, number of adverse drug reactions, and QOLIE-10 score among patients receiving old and new AEDs. Multiple linear regression analysis identified increased seizure frequency (standardized β -0.157; P = 0.003), more number of AEDs (standardized β 0.107; P = 0.05) as well as adverse drug reactions (standardized β -0.692; P = 0.0001) as significant predictors of poor QOL.

Appropriate tools for early detection, selection of rational and safer AED treatment options, and regular monitoring for adverse effects play a crucial role in achieving seizure freedom and optimal QOL in patients with epilepsy.