Update on Newer Antiepileptic Drugs

Updates on Newer Antiepileptic Drugs
Originally presented January 2004

James W. McAuley, RPh, Ph.D., and Lucretia Long, M.S., CNP

James W. McAuley, RPh, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Neurology, The Ohio State University. As a Clinical Pharmacist and Researcher, Dr. McAuley is very active in the university’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program where he interacts with patients regularly. He has presented and published on CNS issues for more than 15 years. In his presentation, he will examine the optimal properties of antiepileptic drugs and discuss what advancements the newer drugs offer. He will also discuss the characteristics and the advantages of these drugs.

Lucretia Long, M.S., CNP, Epilepsy Nurse Practitioner and Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University. As a Certified Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Researcher, Ms. Long has an active practice in the university’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Program where she regularly provides care to patients. She has practiced and published on CNS issues for more than 14 years. Ms. Long will use clinical scenarios in her presentation to address the use of the newer antiepileptic drugs in special populations.

Target Audience:
This program is designed for neuroscience and advance practice nurses, school nurses, social workers and others who are involved in the care of persons with epilepsy, who are interested in enhancing their ability to treat and counsel their patients.

Program Goal:
To offer allied health professionals the most up-to-date tools and knowledge so that they can provide the best treatments and education to patients and their families.

Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, it is anticipated that participants will be able to:

Describe desirable antiepileptic drug properties.

Identify the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics of the newer AEDs.

List the potential adverse effects, monitoring parameters, drug interactions, and dosing recommendations for the newer antiepileptic drugs.

Explain the particular issues in treating seizures with the newer antiepileptic drugs among special populations.