Abstracts

Rationale: Rationale: Recognition and evaluation of current treatment as well as adverse effects and quality of life measures are important factors for a successful treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the patients' view of the current medication with AEDs by their perception of adverse effects and quality of life. Methods: Methods: Prospective data from an anonymous questionnaire answered by patients admitted to the National Center for Epilepsy, Norway in 2014, were used. Data regarding current AED medication and dosage, adverse effects (Adverse Event Profile (AEP)), symptoms for depression (Beck Depression Inventory/BDI) and quality of life (VAS) were collected. For further analysis an AEP score >44 was used as a cut-off to label patients with a severe adverse effect load, patients with a BDI-score >16 were considered to have relevant symptoms for depression. Quality of life was measured by a visual analogue scale, ranging from 0-10, with a cut-off >5. Results: Results: Questionnaires from 86/99 patients were analysed. Their mean age was 34 years (range 18-48 years), 51 women/34 men, 1 unknown. Age at epilepsy onset was 17 years (range 0-48 years). 50 of the patients used AED polytherapy (58%). The most commonly used AEDs were lamotrigine (n=31.), valproate (n=22), levetiracetam (n=17), oxcarbazepine (n=14) and lacosamide (n=9). A total of 18 AEDs were registered. 85 patients (99 %) reported one or more adverse effects. 77% experienced at least one adverse effect always/often. 33 patients had an AEP score >44, defined as a severe adverse effect load. The most frequent reported adverse effects were sleepiness (86%), difficulties in concentrating (87%) and memory complaints (83%). We found statistical significant correlations between a severe adverse effect load and symptoms for depression (p<< 0.0001), and quality of life (p<0.01), respectively, but the use of mono/-or polytherapy showed no correlation. Conclusions: Conclusions: Nearly all patients treated with AED experienced adverse effects to some extent and as many as 38% had a severe adverse effect load being correlated to a low quality of life and symptoms of depression. It is important to listen to patients' perception of adverse effects since they affect quality of life. Improved information and communication about clinical use of AEDs may contribute to an improved treatment outcome.