Frontiers in Neuropharmacotherapy Part I: Alzheimer’s Disease and Epilepsy

Cholinesterase inhibitors, and particularly donepezil, are the standard of care in the management of Alzheimer’s disease. Newer agents, such as rivastigmine, galantamine, and metrifonate, provide therapeutic alternatives but have advantages and disadvantages compared with donepezil. Clinical studies and continued research of the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease help define the role of both the newer agents and the original cholinesterase inhibitor, tacrine. Therapies with other mechanisms of action, such as estrogen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are also being actively investigated for their effects on cognition. Since 1993, 8 new antiepileptic drugs have been approved by the FDA, including felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, topiramate, tiagabine, and 3 recently introduced agents, oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam, and zonisamide. These second-generation agents are generally more tolerable and have fewer drug interactions than traditional antiepileptics, and some provide alternative mechanisms that may be beneficial in the management of refractory epileptic disorders. However, until clinical experience with the newer antiepileptics accumulates and well-designed comparative trials are conducted, a review of individual studies of the safety and efficacy of the newer agents helps provide the basis for treatment decisions. New information regarding traditional therapies, including new formulations and updated treatment guidelines, also assist clinicians in optimizing antiepileptic therapy.