Abstract

Objective: The use of antiepileptic drugs in childhood may differ in their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes compared to adults and therefore, the effect and adverse effect profiles of drugs may change. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of parents of children diagnosed with epilepsy towards antiepileptic drugs and possible adverse effects related to the use of antiepileptic drugs in children.


Material and Methods: August 2019 and March 2020, 110 parents of patients who were diagnosed with epilepsy in pediatric neurology outpatient clinic were included in the study.


Results: The majority of the participants were mothers (n=68, 61.8%). The mean age of the participants was 38.4±7.78 years. 70% of cases were using monotherapy, 30% of cases were using polytherapy. The most commonly used drugs from monotherapy; levetiracetam (22.7%), valproic acid (21.8%) and carbamazepine (13.6%). No side effects were observed against antiepileptic drugs in 34.5% of the cases. The most common side effects were irritability (35.5%), weight gain (18.2%), fatigue (14.5%) and behavioral problems (11.8%). The incidence of adverse effects in patients treated with polytherapy (72.7%) was found to be higher (62.3%) than in patients treated with monotherapy, although it was not statistically significant.


Conclusion : We hope that our study will contribute to the enlightenment of the adverse effect profile that may be encountered during antiepileptic drug treatment in children and to the education to be given to parents.

Keywords: Epilepsy, Parents, Antiepileptic Drugs, Advers Effect, Pediatrics

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How to cite

1.
Korkut O, Aydın H. Parents’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors Towards Use of Antiepileptic Drugs and Common Adverse Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs; Single Center Observational Experience. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2022 Sep. 20 [cited 2025 May 25];16(5):378-84. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/848