title: [Use of psychoactive and antiepileptic drugs: guidelines for pediatricians].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the guidelines for the use of psychoactive and antiepileptic drugs in childhood and adolescence.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clinical indications, dosage and side effects of psychoactive and antiepileptic drugs are presented. The use of psychoactive drugs is increasing due to the release of new drugs and to the better understanding of emotional disorders in children and adolescents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of antiepileptic and psychoactive drugs in childhood requires extensive knowledge concerning pharmacokinetics and deleterious side effects. An adequate choice of drugs is essential to ensure a successful treatment.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre. GibsiR@aol.com
authors.forename: Gibsi P
authors.initials: GP
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.forename: Bianca H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Batista
authors.forename: Magda L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Nunes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000341:Affective Disorders, Psychotic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000188:drug therapy; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs