Anticonvulsant drug

Anticonvulsant drugs are a class of pharmacological agents used primarily in the treatment of seizure disorders, including epilepsy. They are also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, and migraine.

History

The first anticonvulsant was bromide, introduced by Sir Charles Locock in 1857. However, it was the development of phenobarbital in 1912 that revolutionized the treatment of epilepsy.

Mechanism of action

Anticonvulsant drugs work by decreasing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures. They do this by various mechanisms, including enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, or reducing the activity of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter.

Types of anticonvulsants

There are several types of anticonvulsant drugs, including:

• Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• Benzodiazepines such as diazepam and clonazepam
• Hydantoins such as phenytoin
• Carbamazepine
• Valproic acid
• Ethosuximide
• Gabapentin
• Pregabalin
• Lamotrigine
• Levetiracetam
• Topiramate

Side effects

Common side effects of anticonvulsant drugs include dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea. More serious side effects can include depression, suicidal thoughts, and severe allergic reactions.

See also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure
• Neurology
• Pharmacology