There have been some improvements. Some of the newer drugs have fewer side effects, but most of them still do have at least some side effects. Phenytoin, or Dilantin, isn't a newer drug, but it's one of the more common drugs. It doesn't cause the person to be drowsy, but it causes a lot of other side effects. It can cause facial hair growth in women and it can cause pretty severe gum overgrowth. I don't know all the medications, but I know there has been some improvement. With more research, there will be more improvement.
On February 16th, 2012. See this statement in context.