title: Rates of antiepileptic drug reduction in active epilepsy--current practice.
abstract: We have surveyed the rates at which clinicians in the U.K. and Eire withdraw antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with active epilepsy. Practice differed widely and there was a lack of consensus regarding the rates employed. Inpatient reductions were 2-4 times faster than outpatient reductions. AED reductions tended to be slower if reduction was from 2 to 1, than 4 to 3, agents; and in patients with adverse risk factors. In general, non-sedating AEDs were not reduced more quickly than was phenobarbitone.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants