Update on pharmacogenetics in epilepsy: A brief review

Abstract

Recent developments in the pharmacogenetics of antiepileptic drugs provide new prospects for predicting the efficacy of treatment and potential side-effects. Epilepsy is a common, serious, and treatable neurological disorder, yet current treatment is limited by high rates of adverse drug reactions and lack of complete seizure control in a significant proportion of patients. The disorder is especially suitable for pharmacogenetic investigation because treatment response can be quantified and side-effects can be assessed with validated measures. Additionally, there is substantial knowledge of the pharmacodynamics and kinetics of antiepileptic drugs, and some candidate genes implicated in the d..