Endocrine function and antiepileptic treatment

A short survey on the influence of antiepileptic drugs on endocrine function is given. Although most antiepileptic drugs interfere with endocrine function, patients on antiepileptic drugs seldom experience any endocrine symptoms. In spite of this some knowledge on changed endocrine function in the epileptic patient is important for the clinician especially to avoid misinterpretation of endocrine parameters. Also the interaction between antiepileptic drugs and hormonal drugs especially oral contraceptives has practical importance.