Utilisation and polypharmacy aspects of antiepileptic drugs in elderly versus younger patients with epilepsy: A pharmacoepidemiological study of CNS-active drugs in Norway, 2004-2015

The use of AEDs in elderly compared to younger patients is increasing, especially in neuropathic pain. Polypharmacy with antiepileptic, antidepressant and/or antipsychotic drugs was documented in more than one third of the patients. Awareness of increased drug utilisation, polypharmacy with potential drug interactions, and focus on elderly patients are important for increased patient safety.