Long-term use of the major anticonvulsant drugs

The specific type of epilepsy must be identified. The history and the EEG provide the evidence. Drug selection is then based on the classification of the patient's epilepsy. Major drugs used in the management of epilepsy are phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, ethosuximide and valproic acid. The physician should know their kinetics, interactions and side effects, and the value of monitoring blood levels of these anticonvulsant agents.