Expert review of neurotherapeutics
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Expert Rev Neurother · Jan 2010
Review Historical ArticleDrug interactions involving the new second- and third-generation antiepileptic drugs.
During the period 1989-2009, 14 new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were licensed for clinical use and these can be subdivided into new second- and third-generation AEDs. The second-generation AEDs comprise felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, rufinamide, stiripentol, tiagabine, topiramate, vigabatrin and zonisamide. The third-generation AEDs comprise eslicarbazepine acetate and lacosamide. ⋯ Noteworthy is the fact that only five new AEDs (eslicarbazepine, felbamate, oxcarbazepine, rufinamide and topiramate) interact with oral contraceptives and compromise contraception control. The most clinically significant pharmacodynamic interaction is that relating to the synergism of valproate and lamotrigine for complex partial seizures. Compared with the first-generation AEDs, the new second- and third-generation AEDs are less interacting, and this is a desirable development because it allows ease of prescribing by the physician and less complicated therapeutic outcomes and complications for patients.