Anticonvulsive

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsants, also known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), are a diverse group of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. They are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain. Anticonvulsants work by suppressing the rapid and excessive firing of neurons that start a seizure.

Mechanism of Action

Anticonvulsants work through various mechanisms to stabilize neuronal membranes and prevent the spread of seizure activity. Some of the common mechanisms include:

• Sodium Channel Blockade: Many anticonvulsants, such as Phenytoin and Carbamazepine, work by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which reduces the ability of neurons to fire at high frequencies.
• Calcium Channel Blockade: Drugs like Ethosuximide inhibit T-type calcium channels, which are involved in the generation of rhythmic burst firing in thalamic neurons.
• GABAergic Enhancement: Some anticonvulsants, such as Benzodiazepines and Barbiturates, enhance the effect of the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA_A receptor.
• Glutamate Receptor Inhibition: Drugs like Topiramate and Felbamate inhibit excitatory neurotransmission by blocking glutamate receptors.

Common Anticonvulsants

• Phenytoin: Used for the control of tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures.
• Carbamazepine: Effective for partial seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
• Valproic Acid: Broad-spectrum anticonvulsant used for various types of seizures.
• Lamotrigine: Used for partial seizures and generalized seizures, including absence seizures.
• Levetiracetam: Used for partial onset, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Side Effects

Anticonvulsants can have a range of side effects, which vary depending on the specific drug. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood changes

Long-term use of some anticonvulsants can lead to more serious side effects, such as liver damage or bone density loss.

Uses Beyond Epilepsy

In addition to treating epilepsy, anticonvulsants are used for:

• Bipolar Disorder: Some anticonvulsants, like Valproic Acid and Lamotrigine, are used as mood stabilizers.
• Neuropathic Pain: Drugs such as Gabapentin and Pregabalin are effective in treating neuropathic pain.

Also see

• Epilepsy
• Seizure
• Neuropharmacology
• Mood stabilizer
• Neuropathic pain