What is the purpose of therapeutic drug monitoring in AED therapy?

• A. To keep drug levels within a target range and minimize toxicity
• B. To measure blood pressure
• C. To schedule imaging tests
• D. To monitor weight changes

Answer: (A)

Therapeutic drug monitoring in AED therapy focuses on keeping the drug’s blood levels within a target range so the medication works effectively without causing toxicity. Because people differ in how they absorb, distribute, metabolize, and excrete AEDs, the same dose can lead to different concentrations. By checking trough levels (the lowest concentration just before the next dose) at steady state, clinicians can adjust the dose to reach the desired exposure. If levels are too low, seizures may recur; if too high, you risk adverse effects like sedation, coordination problems, or organ toxicity. Monitoring also helps detect nonadherence or drug interactions that raise or lower levels. The other options don’t involve managing drug concentrations and are not the purpose of AED monitoring.