ABSTRACT
Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE), juvenile absence epilepsy (JAE), juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME), and epilepsy with generalized tonic-clonic seizures alone (GTCA) are classified as genetic generalized epilepsies (GGEs). Valproate, ethosuximide, and lamotrigine are the most common antiseizure medications (ASMs) used in the treatment of absence seizures. Although valproate is highly effective in the treatment of absence seizures, it should not be considered as first-line therapy in women of child-bearing age due to its association with polycystic ovary syndrome, reproductive, endocrine, menstrual disorders, and potential teratogenic effects. Ethosuximide is effective only in the treatment of absence seizures, and it is more frequently used in the treatment of CAE. Patients with JAE often have generalized tonic-clonic seizures; therefore, ethosuximide should not be considered as the first-line option in the treatment of patients with JAE. However, ethosuximide can be used as add-on therapy if absence seizures are not controlled.
