Phenobarbital and Primidone
Figure 60.1. Structural formulas of PRM and its main metabolites. CHEMISTRY AND MECHANISM OF ACTION Phenobarbital Chemically, PB is 5-ethyl-5-phenylbarbituric acid (see Fig. 60.1). The molecular weight is 232.23, and…
Psychiatric Comorbidity of Epilepsy
For those with peri-ictal depression, improved seizure control may be a sufficient treatment. For patients with resistant peri-ictal depression, interictal MDD, persistent depressive disorder, or IDD, antidepressant treatment is indicated….
Sleep and Epilepsy
In a study examining the distribution of 600 focal seizures across the sleep–wake cycle recorded during video–electroencephalogram (EEG) evaluations, 43% were found to arise from sleep, the majority from non–rapid…
Zonisamide
Figure 66.1. Zonisamide. MECHANISM OF ACTION There are several pharmacologic effects of zonisamide that may be responsible for its activity as an AED. Results from several studies demonstrate the most…
Driving and Social Issues in Epilepsy
The Regulatory Requirements The first seizure-related car crash was reported near the turn of the 19th century. Since then, regulatory authorities have placed restrictions on driving for a person with…
