Anticonvulsant drugs and cognitive functions.

Thirty-five patients with epilepsy were seen before and 3 and 6 months following changes in their anticonvulsant regimes. Patients either underwent a reduction in the number of different drugs prescribed (n = 20) or had at least one drug changed to carbamazepine (n = 15). A third group of patients was seen at the same time intervals but remained on stable anticonvulsant therapy (n = 10). On each assessment session patients performed a series of specially designed tests of cognitive and motor functions, completed rating scales of mood, had a blood sample taken for the analysis of anticonvulsant serum levels, and had their seizure frequency for the previous 3 months documented. In addition, 24 patients had a routine EEG recording made. The overall results obtained suggested that a reduction in polypharmacy and the use of carbamazepine both had beneficial effects on cognitive functioning and mood.