[New recommendations for antiepileptic drug therapy: the last piece in the review of epilepsy care].

Antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy is symptomatic. New AED:s have not decreased the proportion of epilepsy patients resistant to pharmacological treatment. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam and carbamazepine are first-line options for focal seizures. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam and valproic acid are first-line options for generalized seizures. However, valproic acid is contraindicated during pregnancy unless there is no other effective treatment available, as well as for fertile girls/women unless the conditions of a specific pregnancy prevention programme are met.