title: Problems with the use of conventional anticonvulsant drugs in mentally retarded individuals.
abstract: Special problems in the use of anticonvulsant agents in the mentally retarded are reviewed. Effects of barbiturates on mental abilities and of phenytoin on facial appearance are especially undesirable side effects of these agents in mentally retarded individuals. Careful consideration should be given to selection of anticonvulsants that minimally interfere with the long-term rehabilitation of mentally retarded persons. The relationship of paroxysmal EEG abnormalities, episodic violence and hysteroepilepsy to epilepsy is discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D010634:Phenobarbital / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D010672:Phenytoin; D010634:Phenobarbital