General mechanism of anticonvulsant drugs

GENERAL MECHANISM OF ACTION OF ANTICONVULSANT DRUGS

  • Enhance inhibition through the GABA-chloride ion channel complex: Benzodiazepines, barbiturates, Gabapentine, levitetracetam and Bromides
  • Decrease excitation through excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters and calcium channels: Nimodipine, lamotrigine and topiramate
  • Decrease action potential generation through the sodium channels: Phenytoin, carbamazepine and zonisamide
  • Felbamate and valproic acid acts by unknown mechanism 

Last modified: Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 6:08 AM