Antiepileptic Drugs

This concise handbook provides practical, up-to-date clinical guidance on effective selection, prescription, and usage of antiepileptic drugs for patients with epilepsy in various medical conditions and in a variety of clinical contexts. This text discusses choosing drugs when faced with various medical comorbidities; how to correctly prescribe, titrate, and taper drugs; how to monitor drug efficacy and side effects; how to diagnose and manage toxicity; how antiepileptic drugs interact with other medications; and comprehensive coverage of current treatment options. Key Feature of this Manual Include * A brief formal discussion of the basic pharmacology of each antiepileptic drug, with an emphasis on how to select and use anti-epileptic drugs in a variety of clinical contexts. * Discussions of antiepileptic drugs approved for epilepsy since 2009. * New research about already existing antiepileptic drugs. * References for further reading that are oriented toward utility in clinical practice. Antiepileptic Drugs: A Clinician's Manual fills an unmet need as a practical, patient-oriented reference and leads to improved patient care. Supported by practical, clinical knowledge and experience, this is the perfect guide for physicians looking to ensure safe practices in antiepileptic drug therapy.Contents ; 1 Diagnosis and Evaluation of Patients With Seizures ; 2 Antiepileptic Drug Dosage Forms and Administration Guidelines ; 3 Mechanisms of Action and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Antiepileptic Drugs ; 4 Monitoring Antiepileptic Drugs and Their Toxicity ; 5 Choices of Antiepileptic Drugs Based on Specific Epilepsy Syndromes and Seizure Types ; 6 Clinically Important Drug Interactions With Antiepileptic Drugs ; 7 Aggravation of Seizures by Antiepileptic Drugs ; 8 Polytherapy With Antiepileptic Drugs ; 9 Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy ; 10 Antiepileptic Drugs in Lactating Women ; 11 Antiepileptic Drugs in the Elderly ; 12 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Renal Disease ; 13 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Liver Disease ; 14 Antiepileptic Drugs and Metabolic Disorders ; 15 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Hyperlipidemia ; 16 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus ; 17 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Cardiovascular Disorders ; 18 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Hematological Disorders ; 19 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients on Chemotherapy or Immunosuppressive Therapy ; 20 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients with Brain Tumors ; 21 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Stroke ; 22 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Preexisting Psychiatric Problems or Learning Disabilities ; 23 Antiepileptic Drugs and Cognition ; 24 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Migraine Headaches ; 25 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With Neuropathic Pain Syndromes ; 26 Antiepileptic Drugs & Cutaneous / Allergic Reactions ; 27 Antiepileptic Drugs and Ophthalmologic Problems ; 28 Antiepileptic Drugs and Weight Change ; 29 Antiepileptic Drugs and Bone Health ; 30 Antiepileptic Drugs in Patients With HIV Infection/AIDS ; Index