Pharmacotherapy in epilepsy - does gender affect safety?

Drug safety and gender issues in the treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) involve considerations to reach an optimal balance between efficacy and adverse effects or toxicity. In this commentary safety issues relevant to AED therapy in women regarding drug interactions and teratogenic effects, and interactions between drugs and endogenous molecules in both genders are highlighted. Gender and safety issues are closely related. Careful clinical and pharmacological considerations are important and need close attention also in future studies and surveillance of existing AEDs and drugs in development.