A first-line seizure medicine (your doctor may call it an "antiepileptic drug") is a leading treatment recommended for a specific type of seizure. A type of medicine is considered a first-line treatment based on its effectiveness in controlling seizures and its profile of side effects. For most people with epilepsy, a single first-line seizure medicine provides the best balance between seizure control and unwanted side effects.

What is a second-line seizure medicine and why is it used?

Some seizure medicines are called second-line because they have been found to be less effective or to produce more side effects than first-line medicines in many people. Second-line seizure medicines can be extremely effective for certain people with epilepsy, however, without bad effects.

If a person being treated with a first-line seizure medicine develops severe side effects or the seizures are not well controlled, a second-line medicine may be added (this is called adjunctive therapy) or it can be used alone. Some people with epilepsy are successfully treated using only seizure medicines that are usually considered second-line.

Topic Editor:Steven C. Schachter, M.D.
Last Reviewed:12/15/06