Methodology: Safety: Adverse effect profile.

Efficacy: Seizure freedom after 6-months of treatment.

QOL: Quality of life in epilepsy-10-point (QOLIE-10P) score.

Pharmacoeconomics: Comparison of cost of therapy for 6 months.

Results and Analysis: Safety: In CBZ-CR group, 4 patients developed leukopenia, which was transient and reversible on continuing the treatment. 1 patient developed central hypothyroidism & was discontinued from the study.In LEV group 1 patient developed urticaria and 1 developed altered behaviour and agitation, had to be discontinued. CBZ-CR group had significantly higher CNS depressive effects like drowsiness, dizziness and somnolence as compared to LEV (p=0.027) LEV group reported asthenia and behavioral side effects.Blurred vision and vertigo were reported only in CBZ-CR group.

Efficacy: Over 6-months of treatment, 22 (66.7%) patients in LEV group and 26 (78.8%) in CBZ-CR group remained seizure free. Clinically CBZ-CR was better than LEV in seizure prophylaxis, though statistically comparable.

QOL: Both the drugs significantly improved QOL over the period of 6-months therapy.

Pharmacoeconomics: On cost minimization analysis, CBZ-CR was pharmacoeconomically better than LEV (p<0.0001) for treatment of new onset focal seizures in adult patients.