The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports one in every 100 Americans has been diagnosed with epilepsy or had a seizure. Epilepsy is a brain condition in which disordered electrical activity causes periodic seizures. Drugs are the most common form of treatment to prevent seizures. Epilepsy medications are commonly called antiepileptics, anticonvulsants or antiseizure drugs. The Epilepsy Foundation reports approximately 70 to 80 percent of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure control with antiepileptic medications.
Acetazolamide, Topiramate and Zonisamide
Acetazolamide, topiramate and zonisamide belong to the antiepileptic drug group called the carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Inhibiting the carbonic anhydrase enzyme reduces abnormal electrical activity in brain cells. Acetazolamide is used in all types of epilepsy. Topiramate and zonisamide are most often used for partial seizures.
Carbamazepine and Oxcarbazepine
Carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are commonly used dibenzapine antiepileptics. Carbamazepine is prescribed for some types of partial seizures and generalized seizure disorders. Doctors may prescribe oxcarbazepine for partial seizures.
Divalproex and Valproic Acid
Divalproex and valproic acid (also known as valproate) are fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants. Both drugs are commonly used to control all types of epileptic seizures. Notably, both of these drugs have been associated with an increased risk of liver toxicity. Your doctor will monitor your liver enzymes be sure you do not develop this complication.
Ethosuximide
Ethosuximide is an antiepileptic medication used to control petit mal or absence seizures. This type of seizure involves brief lapses of conscious awareness without associated muscular activity.
Gabapentin, Pregabalin and Vigabatrin
Gabapentin, pregabalin and vigabatrin are in the drug group gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogs. These antiseizure medicines are chemically similar to the neurotransmitter GABA. Gabapentin and vigabatrin are typically used for the treatment of certain types of partial seizures. Doctors prescribe pregabalin for all types of partial seizures.
Phenytoin, Mephenytoin and Ethotoin
Phenytoin is a commonly used antiepileptic medication used for the control of partial seizures. Mephenytoin and ethotoin are structurally similar to phenytoin and may be used to control generalized or partial seizures.
Paramethadione and Trimethadione
Paramethadione and trimethadione are chemically similar drugs that are used to absence seizures. Pregnant women should avoid both of these drugs as they may cause malformations in unborn babies.
Levetiracetam
Levetiracetam is a structurally unique antiepileptic medication that does not chemically resemble other classes of anticonvulsants. Although the precise mechanism of action of levetiracetam is unknown, the drug can control partial seizures in some people with this form of epilepsy.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Epilepsy?
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Epilepsy Medications
- Epilepsy Foundation: Treatment, Medications
- "Physicians' Desk Reference"; Kathleen Engel, Project Editor; 2008
- "Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics"; Laurence L. Brunton, Ph.D.,et al, Editors; 2005
