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Partial seizures with or without secondary generalisation
Carbamazepine, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, and sodium valproateare the drugs of choice for partial (focal) seizures; second-line drugs include clobazam, gabapentin, levetiracetam, pregabalin, tiagabine, topiramate, and zonisamide.
Generalised seizures
Tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal)
The drugs of choice for tonic-clonic seizures are carbamazepine, lamotrigine, and sodium valproate. Clobazam, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate are second-line drugs.
Absence seizures (petit mal)
Ethosuximide and sodium valproate are the drugs of choice in typical absence seizures; alternatives include clonazepam and lamotrigine. Sodium valproate is also highly effective in treating the generalised tonic-clonic seizures which can co-exist with absence seizures in idiopathic primary generalised epilepsy.
Myoclonic seizures
Myoclonic seizures (myoclonic jerks) occur in a variety of syndromes, and response to treatment varies considerably. Sodium valproate is the drug of choice; clonazepam and levetiracetam can also be used. Alternatives include lamotrigine and topiramate, but lamotrigine may occasionally exacerbate myoclonic seizures. For reference to the adjunctive use of piracetam, see section 4.9.3.
Sodium valproate and levetiracetam are effective in treating the generalised tonic-clonic seizures that co-exist with myoclonic seizures in idiopathic generalised epilepsy.
Atypical absence, atonic, and tonic seizures
Atypical absence, atonic, and tonic seizures are usually seen in childhood, in specific epilepsy syndromes, or associated with cerebral damage or mental retardation. They may respond poorly to the traditional drugs. Sodium valproate, lamotrigine, and clonazepam can be tried. Second-line drugs that are occasionally helpful include clobazam, ethosuximide, levetiracetam, and topiramate.
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