Antiepileptic drugs and memory

Impaired memory is among the most common complaints of patients with epilepsy. Multiple factors contribute to memory impairment in patients with epilepsy. Thus, delineation of the effects of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on memory in clinical populations faces methodological difficulties. Further, subjective perception of memory problems by patients is influenced by mood. However, there is evidence from animal and healthy volunteer studies supporting an independent potential for AEDs to impair memory. Differential AED effects on memory have been observed, and AED effects may interact with focal brain lesions. Memory impairment from AEDs is a greater concern at the age extremes, although the effects of AEDs, especially the newer agents, have not been thoroughly studied in these populations. Well-controlled studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to further delineate the magnitude and relative effects of AEDs on memory. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.