With a prevalence of 0.5 to 1% and over 50 million people affected worldwide, the epilepsies as a group represent the most common serious neurological disorder. In recent years, major advances have been made in characterizing their clinical and prognostic features and in clarifying their etiologies and pathophysiological mechanisms. Contrary to common belief, many epilepsies are potentially life threatening, with significant mortality being ascribed not only to the underlying disease but also to the seizures and their consequences (Nilsson et al., 1999). Moreover, seizures carry an important risk of morbidity, including traumatic injuries, psychiatric disturbances and impaired quality of life (Baker et al., 1997; Spitz, 1998). Even in educated societies, epilepsy is associated with significant stigma, and affected people may suffer more from prejudice and discrimination than from the actual manifestations of the disease (The Rest1 Group, 2000).

Fortunately, most epilepsy syndromes are fully treatable, and up to 70% of patients may achieve complete seizure control and live a normal life, mainly thanks to the availability of effective drugs. Appropriate management requires knowledge of the characteristics of the disease, its associated risks, its natural prognosis and, not least, the clinical pharmacology of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). It is the purpose of this chapter to discuss the basic principles underlying rational drug selection and optimization of therapy.

Objectives of treatment

The treatment of epilepsy should fullfil at least two primary objectives.

Prevention of seizure recurrence

If exception is made for the control of ongoing seizures and status epilepticus, AEDs are prescribed to prevent seizure recurrence. The ultimate goal should be complete seizure control, but in severe epilepsies this may not be achievable, and a reduction in seizure frequency becomes a more realistic objective.

Minimization of side effects

Most AEDs have a narrow therapeutic index, i.e. the dosage required to achieve seizure control is close to that which produces significant toxicity. Skillful management rests with the ability to select the drug whose side effect profile is least likely to interfere with the patient's wellbeing, and to optimize its dosage to reduce the risk of side effects. Seizure control should not be achieved at any cost. Physicians should avoid the situation whereby patients are made to suffer more from the side effects of treatment than from the manifestations of the disease.