Anticonvulsants, Newer
Developed for the treatment of partial and generalized seizure disorders, these second-generation anticonvulsants are finding wider use in the treatment of chronic and neuropathic pain syndromes; mood disorders, including bipolar disease; and migraine headache prophylaxis. Serious adverse effects with the therapeutic use of felbamate (aplastic anemia, hepatic failure) and vigabatrin (permanent visual field deficits) have led to restrictions in their use.
Drug | Usual Elimination Half-life (h) | Usual Daily Dose (mg/d) | Reported Potential Toxic Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
Felbamate | 20–23 | 1800–4800 | Mild CNS depression, nystagmus, ataxia; tachycardia; nausea and vomiting; delayed (>12 h) crystalluria, hematuria, renal dysfunction |
Gabapentin | 5–7 | 900–3600 | Somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, myoclonus, slurred speech, diplopia; tachycardia, hypotension or hypertension; diarrhea |
Lamotrigine | 22–36 |
