In recent years, the number of available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) has more than doubled and more agents are awaiting regulatory approval or are in late clinical development. This has considerably increased treatment options for physicians and patients.*But how easy is it to select the ‘right drug’ for each patient, and have the newer drugs made that decision any easier? The relative roles of new AEDs in the treatment of epilepsy were discussed during workshop and satellite sessions at the third Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies [Seville, Spain; September 1998]. These sessions provided opportunities for experienced clinicians to discuss which drugs they use in a practical setting.