New antiepileptic drugs in childhood
Verrotti, A.; Trotta, D.; Morgese, G.; Chiarelli, F.
Panminerva Medica 44(3): 221-225
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-0808 PMID: 12094136 Document Number: 549680
In recent years, many new antiepileptic drugs have been available for the treatment of epilepsy in pediatric age. In this review, we describe these new antiepileptic drugs (vigabatrin, lamotrigine, felbamate, gabapentin, tiagabine, topiramate) which can be used together with "old" antiepileptic drugs (e.g. phenobarbital, valproate, etc.). We report their mechanisms of action, effectiveness, dosage and side effects; moreover, some practical advice for their use in pediatric patients is given.