Review
Copyright ©2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
World J Clin Pediatr. Aug 8, 2014; 3(3): 45-53
Published online Aug 8, 2014. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v3.i3.45
Table 1 Effects of anti-epileptic drugs on sleep
AntiepilepticEffect on sleep
Benzodiazepines and barbiturates[70,71]Reduce sleep latency Decrease the amount of REM sleep Benzodiazepines reduce slow wave sleep Increase incidence of OSA
Phenytoin[70,72,73]Increases light sleep Decreases sleep efficiency Most studies show decreased REM sleep
EthosuximideMay cause sleep disturbances, and night terrors
Carbamazepine[72,74,75]Reduction in REM sleep particularly with acute treatment Effective in treatment of restless legs syndrome sleep disorder
Valproate[73]May increase stage 1 sleep Could worsen OSA through weight gain
Lamotrigine[75,76]May cause decreases in slow wave sleep May cause insomnia and sleep disturbance Effective in treatment of restless legs syndrome
Gabapentin, pregabalin, and tiagabine[76-81]Enhance slow wave sleep and sleep continuity Gabapentin is effective in treatment of restless legs syndrome Pregabalin may cause insomnia and abnormal dreams
Levetiracetam[79,80]Has little effect or an increase in sleep continuity and slow wave sleep
Zonisamide, rufinamide, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate[82,83]Have no known effects on sleep and sleep disorders May cause insomnia