Study N01175 was to compare overall effectiveness (efficacy and safety) of levetiracetam (LEV) versus the 2 older antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), sodium valproate extended release (VPA-ER) and carbamazepine controlled release (CBZ-CR) in the treatment of subjects with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of epilepsy (all types of seizures) was made during the past year
• Subjects must have had at least two unprovoked seizures in the past 2 years with at least one during the last 6 months
• Female subjects without childbearing potential are eligible. Female subjects with childbearing potential are eligible if they use a medically accepted contraceptive method

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects previously allocated to a trial treatment (CBZ, VPA and LEV) used in this trial
• Participation in another clinical trial with an investigational drug or device within 12 weeks of the selection visit (V1), or at any time during this trial
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Presence of known pseudoseizures within the last year
• Uncountable seizures (clusters) or history of convulsive status epilepticus
• Any disorder or condition that may interfere with the absorption, distribution, metabolisation or excretion of drugs
• History of suicide attempt, current suicidal ideation, or other serious psychiatric disorders requiring or having required hospitalization or medication within the previous five years
• Presence of progressive cerebral disease, any other progressively degenerative neurological disease, or any cerebral tumors
• Presence of a terminal illness or any medical condition that might interfere with the subject's trial participation