Generalized epilepsy

Epilepsy with bilateral generalized seizures from onset. Mainstay therapy is valproate, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam.

ICD-10 G40.31 drug

Also known as: IGE, Idiopathic generalized epilepsy

Drugs used for this condition

AValproic acidFirst line · Antiepileptics. Fatty acid derivativesValproate is first-line for idiopathic generalized epilepsy in men and postmenopausal women. NICE NG217 and ILAE consider valproate the most effective drug for generalized tonic-clonic, myoclonic seizures, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Effective in 70–80% of patients. In women of reproductive age, prescribed only when alternatives are unsuitable and Pregnancy Prevention Programme is strictly followed.

How to read tiers A–F

Evidence tiers belong to the drug-indication pair, not to the drug as a whole: the same substance can be A for one condition and F for another.

AStrong evidence – first or second line in international guidelines
BRecommended in selected cases
CStudy data contradict each other
DBenefit not proven, no documented harm
FDocumented harm, or risk without benefit