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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives The present work aims to study antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)–poisoned cases arrived at Menoufia University Poison and Dependence Control Center regarding sociodemographic pattern, clinical presentation, investigations, poison severity score, and outcome. Background AEDs are groups of pharmacological agents used to treat several neurological and psychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, prophylaxis of migraine, neuropathic pain, and bipolar disorders. In poisoning with AEDs, central nervous system is the most affected region; therefore, loss of consciousness, hyper-reflexia, hyporeflexia, ataxia, tremor, hallucinations, pupillary changes, dizziness, headache, insomnia, convulsions, and even death are the most expected symptoms. AEDs could be classified into first, second, and third generations. Among AED intoxication cases, most are caused by first-generation antiepileptic drugs, whereas intoxications with new-generation antiepileptics are rarely seen. Patient and methods The study was conducted on all cases with AEDs poisoning that arrived at Menoufia University Poison and Dependence Control Center throughout the 1-year period from the first of February 2014 to the last of January 2015. For every case, clinical toxicological sheet was fulfilled after taking his/her consent. Cases were classified according to clinical manifestation and investigations by using poison severity score. Outcome of cases was determined. Results Of 98 poisoned cases, the most affected age group was more than 20–40 years (38.8%). Females outnumbered males (74.5 and 25.5%, respectively). Carbamazepine represented the highest percent of cases at 49% followed by benzodiazepines (38.8%). Suicidal cases represented 74.5%. Conclusion Intentional drug exposures are at a high prevalence in AEDs ingestions. It is mostly seen in the adult group and females. The most frequently ingested drugs are carbamazepine and benzodiazepines.

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