Intravenous Antiepileptic Drugs in Russia

Launching four intravenous antiepileptic drugs: valproate (Depakene and Convulex), lacosamide (Vimpat), and levetiracetam (Keppra) – into the Russian market has significantly broadened the possibilities of rendering care to patients in seizure emergency situations. The chemi- cal structure, mechanisms of action, indications/contraindications, clinical effectiveness and tolerability, advantages/disadvantages, and adverse events of using these drugs in urgent and elective neurology are discussed.