Ads
related to: antiepileptic drugs vs anticonvulsants
Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
Anticonvulsants suppress the excessive rapid firing of neurons during seizures. [6] Anticonvulsants also prevent the spread of the seizure within the brain. [7] Conventional antiepileptic drugs may block sodium channels or enhance γ-aminobutyric acid function. Several antiepileptic drugs have multiple or uncertain mechanisms of action. [8]
This kind of adverse drug reaction is caused by the accumulation of toxic metabolites; it is not the result of an IgE-mediated reaction. The risk of first-degree relatives developing the same hypersensitivity reaction is higher than in the general population. [1]
Levetiracetam, sold under the brand name Keppra among others, is a novel antiepileptic drug [7] used to treat epilepsy. [8] It is used for partial-onset, myoclonic, or tonic–clonic seizures, [7] and is taken either by mouth as an immediate or extended release formulation or by injection into a vein.
Convulsions are induced in captive animals, then high doses of anticonvulsant drugs are administered. [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 12 ] For example, kainic acid can lead to status epilepticus in animals as it is a cyclic analog of l-glutamate and an agonist for kainate receptors in the brain which makes it a potent neurotoxin and excitant.
Lamotrigine has fewer drug interactions than many anticonvulsant drugs, although pharmacokinetic interactions with carbamazepine, phenytoin and other hepatic enzyme-inducing medications may shorten half-life. [84] Dose adjustments should be made on clinical response, but monitoring may be of benefit in assessing compliance. [5]
Primidone is an anticonvulsant of the barbiturate class; [7] however, its long-term effect in raising the seizure threshold is likely due to its active metabolite, phenobarbital. [10] The drug’s other active metabolite is phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA). Primidone was approved for medical use in the United States in 1954. [7]
Generally, drugs outlined within the ATC code N03 should be included in this category. Please see WP:PHARM:CAT for more information. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Anticonvulsants .
There were no significant differences between the three drugs with regard to discontinuation because of adverse events. Attentional dysfunction was more common with valproic acid than with ethosuximide. If monotherapy fails or unacceptable adverse reactions appear, replacement of one by another of the three antiepileptic drugs is the alternative.