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[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:
- 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[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]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD