(FDA approved in bold)

• Absence (petit mal) epilepsy

• There are multiple proposed mechanisms of action, and it is uncertain which of these give the drug its effectiveness
  
• Blocks or modulates T-type calcium channels
  
• Modulates sodium channel function
  
• May alter glutamate or GABA levels
  
• Proven to suppress paroxysmal 3-hertz spike and slow wave discharges on EEG

• Seizures – should decrease by 2 weeks

• Seizures – goal is the remission of seizures. Continue as long as effective and well-tolerated. Consider tapering and slowly stopping after 2 years without seizures, depending on the type of epilepsy

• Increase to highest tolerated dose
  
• Epilepsy: consider changing to another agent or adding a second agent

• Epilepsy: Often used in combination when more than 1 type of epilepsy exists. Effective in combination with valproate for absence seizures but this can cause interactions and change levels of drug. Lamotrigine is another option

• Blood counts, urinalysis, and liver function tests at baseline and on a periodic basis