This article reviews the literature available on the potentially harmful effects of herbal remedies and herb–drug interactions in patients with epilepsy.

The authors note that the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing, and yearly use in the UK is estimated at 20%.  Many patients with epilepsy turn to CAM to supplement their medical regimen; one study in Ohio found that 24% of epileptics were using CAM, with only around one third saying that their neurologist knew about it. 

The article looks at the following:

• Herbs associated with seizures (e.g. neurotoxic components, heavy metal contamination, etc)
• Herbs altering disposition of antiepileptics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and/or excretion) 
• Predicting herb-drug interactions