New antiepileptic drugs

The current developments in the availability of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are unprecedented. After a period of many years during which no new AED became available, 5 new AEDs were introduced in the United States between 1993 and 1997, and 2 more are expected to be approved soon. These new drugs are a most welcome addition to the therapeutic options in the treatment of epilepsy, but they also create a dilemma for the clinician because their individual places and their optimal use in the treatment of various forms of epilepsy are yet to be determined. This review serves to summarize the main characteristics of the newer AEDs.