Using New Antiepileptic Drugs As Monotherapy.

Since 1993, with the advent of felbamate, physicians have been blessed with the addition of eight new antiepileptic medications for the treatment of epilepsy. Increasing evidence is accumulating that these drugs are effective as monotherapy agents. The use of monotherapy minimizes side effects, and newer drugs have fewer interactions than many of the older antiepileptic medications with comparable efficacy. Using the newer antiepileptic agents in monotherapy, even as an initial therapy would appear to be an appropriate clinical decision.