Adverse Events of Dual Anti-Seizure Medication: Real-Life Data from a Tertiary Epilepsy Clinic

This study analyzed adverse events (AEs) in 595 epilepsy patients on dual anti-seizure medication (ASM) therapy, focusing on combinations involving valproic acid, particularly with lamotrigine (LTG/VPA), which were associated with higher AE burdens, including hair loss. Common AEs included sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Female sex, drug resistance, and certain epilepsy types were linked to higher AE scores. Despite the increased AE burden with dual therapy, individual tailoring of treatment can moderate these effects. The study emphasizes the importance of systematic AE screening to optimize treatment outcomes, although it notes limitations such as potential biases and the need for larger sample sizes.