[Benzodiazepines in the treatment of epilepsy]

Diazepam and clonazepam when given by intra- veinous or rectal route are the first-choice treatment of epileptic status. They are active in 80 per cent of cases whatever is the form of the status with a better efficacy in generalized seizures. Clonazepam, chlorazepate, nitrazepam and clobazam are also prescribed as chronic treatment of various forms of epilepsy. However tolerance and side-effects on higher nervous functions are frequent. In the state of the art benzodiazepine utilisation is limited as add-on therapy in severe epilepsies. They may have broader indications in monotherapy.