Incidence of New-Onset Epilepsy in the Elderly May Increase

In light of these age-related changes, therapeutic drug monitoring may be necessary for elderly patients. Neurologists should perform therapeutic drug monitoring when a patient has obtained at least four half-lives, which tend to be longer in the elderly, said Dr. Leppik. In addition, drug monitoring is indicated when a patient has side effects related to the AED, breakthrough seizures, or a change in health status. “We obviously have to do much more research in this … growing population,” Dr. Leppik concluded.

—Erik Greb