Patients' perspectives on management and barriers of regular antiepileptic drug intake.

Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess the management of drug intake and potential barriers to adherence reported by two different patient groups.

Methods: The study was performed in cooperation with the Regional Chamber of Pharmacists of Rhineland-Palatinate and three neurologists in private practice specialized in epileptology. In total, 108 patients surveyed in 43 pharmacies (Group P) and 118 patients treated by the specialized neurologists (Group N) completed anonymously a questionnaire on intake of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Valproic acid induced encephalopathy--19 new cases in Germany from 1994 to 2003--a side effect associated to VPA-therapy not only in young children.

Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug and is usually well-tolerated. Rare serious complications may occur in some patients, including haemorrhagic pancreatitis, bone marrow suppression, VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and VPA-induced encephalopathy. The typical signs of VPA-induced encephalopathy are impaired consciousness, sometimes marked EEG background slowing, increased seizure frequency, with or without hyperammonemia.