ABSTRACT
Measuring antiepileptic drug concentrations in blood is useful in monitoring dose-related side effects. This chapter reviews the toxicity of antiepileptic drugs in an attempt to synthesize an approach to evaluating these effects by organ systems and relation to dose and concentrations. More extensive reviews may be consulted for more detailed discussions of the various adverse effects. All drugs which possess activity in the central nervous system modify its functioning. Drugs are prescribed for their beneficial effects, but all drugs have the potential for causing toxicity. Toxicity is experienced by most persons at concentrations only two to four times that of the minimally effective level. This feature may be a consequence of the fact that antiepileptic drugs are effective in modifying activity of the neuronal networks of the brain. The nervous system is usually subdivided into the central nervous system and peripheral system. Skin rashes are the most dramatic manifestation of toxicity of antiepileptic drugs.
