the perceived drawbacks of older epilepsy drugs spurred a renaissance of development of new epilepsy drugs launched in the 1990s. some of the newer ones include keppra; lamictal; zonegran; felbatol; neurontin; and trileptal. older epilepsy drugs include dilantin depakote tegretol and phenobarbital. limited studies suggest newer epilepsy drugs control seizures as well as the older medicines -- but not better. so don't count out the older drugs. in one recent high-quality study valproic acid was more effective than newcomers lamictal and topamax. valproic acid even had fewer people quit taking the drug because of side effects than did topamax. older epilepsy drugs have a longer track record and most doctors are more familiar with them. they're more widely available on drug formularies and are less expensive than newer epilepsy drugs. until clinical studies settle the issue expert groups and epilepsy advocacy organizations recommend against switching branded for generic epilepsy drugs.
which epilepsy medication is right for me?