title: Adverse effects of antiepileptics.
abstract: When choosing an anticonvulsant drug, factors such as efficacy, pharmacokinetics, cost, teratogenic effects and potential adverse effects of the drug, and age and sex of the patient must be considered. Adverse effects are observed in up to one-third of patients on anticonvulsant therapy and are divided into two groups - common dose-related toxicity and idiosyncratic toxicity. Both types of adverse events associated with anticonvulsants are discussed according to the organ system affected. Postmarketing surveillance of the newer anticonvulsants is vital to monitor potentially rare idiosyncratic reactions or chronic toxicities.
authors.affiliation: Sunnybrook & Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada. knowles@srcl.sunnybrook.utoronto.ca
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Knowles
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants