Antiepileptic drugs can be schematically classified according to their spectrum of action on generalized or partial epileptic seizures: sodium valproate, lamotrigine, benzodiazepines and topiramate are large spectrum molecules which are effective in generalized and partial epilepsies. Carbamazepine, vigabatrin, gabapentine, tiagabine, phenytoin and phenobarbital are effective in partial epilepsies. Ethosuccimide is effective in absence seizures. The main characteristics of these different drugs are described and the general principles of their prescription are recalled.