Antiseizure medications (ASMs)

Class at a glance

• Choice is driven by seizure type

Members / distinctions

• Broad-spectrum: levetiracetam, lamotrigine
• valproate, topiramate also broad
• Absence: ethosuximide; valproate if mixed

Practical pearls

• Never stop abruptly without a plan

Other member distinctions

• Focal seizures: many options incl lacosamide
• Pregnancy, mood, weight + DDIs matter

Pearls

• Psychiatric effects: levetiracetam, perampanel, topiramate, zonisamide
• Suicide risk very low; withholding ASMs is riskier

Self-check

• What chiefly drives antiseizure medication choice?
  Seizure type.
• Which drug is used for absence seizures, with valproate an option if mixed?
  Ethosuximide.

Drugs in this class (27)

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