title: Changes in antiepileptic drug prescribing patterns in large institutions: preliminary results of a five-year experience.
abstract: Routine antiepileptic prescriptions were analyzed for stable cohorts from two large, state-run, Accreditation Council-certified ICFs/MR for the time period October 1, 1987, to April 1, 1992. Results indicated marked decrease in numbers of individuals receiving (a) more than two antiepileptic drugs concurrently and (b) barbiturates. Retrospective analyses revealed that (a) over 90% of a group undergoing barbiturate taper maintained the same or improved seizure control and (b) some adults undergoing barbiturate tapers improved in target behaviors. Findings indicate the feasibility of changing antiepileptic regimens utilizing individual case evaluation and treatment and suggest the importance of considering possible psychological and behavioral disturbances associated with barbiturate therapy for adults and children.
authors.affiliation: Developmental Center, Grafton, ND 58237.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Poindexter
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Berglund
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Kolstoe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001463:Barbiturates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000639:trends; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D009658:North Dakota / Q000453:epidemiology; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001463:Barbiturates