Anticonvulsant drug

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

There are several types of anticonvulsant drugs, including:

Side effects[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD