A questionnaire based study of adverse drug effects of antiepileptic drugs in a tertiary care hospital in Central India

Background: Epilepsy is a common disorder of brain function which affects around 1% of world population. Due to nature of chronicity of this disease, long term medical treatment with Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) is required to achieve control of the seizures. Antiepileptic drugs are responsible for 5% of ADRs among all of the prescribed drugs. Due to the significant number of adverse drug reactions spontaneous reporting and knowledge about ADRs have gained the importance. Knowledge(K), attitude (A) and practices (P) studies are preferred nowadays so as to have the better understanding and implication of the studies for the benefit of the patients. Therefore, this study was planned to evaluate Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding Anti-Epileptic Drug (AEDs) therapy in epileptic patients and their relatives and to create awareness regarding the same.Methods: A questionnaire based study for assessment of KAP during a period of 2 months in patients of epilepsy and their relatives.Results: The maximum side effects were seen in central nervous system and functions (80%) followed by dermatological problems (6.57%), visual defects (5.19%), GIT complaints (4.84%) and lastly sexual function impairment (3.34%). Carbamazepine was most commonly prescribed drug followed by phenytoin. Certain gender and age specific adverse events were found. 95% patients were found to be compliant with medicines’ dose and schedule.Conclusions: The chronicity of epilepsy calls for long duration of treatment so consideration and addressing ADRs are essential to maintain compliance among patients.