Mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs

• DOI: 10.2217/thy.11.19
• Publication Date: 2011-05-16T13:13:11Z
• Authors: Aaron M Cook; Meriem K Bensalem...
• Keywords: Valproic Acid; Phenobarbital; Broad spectrum

Epilepsy affects up to 1% of the general population and causes substantial disability. The management seizures in patients with epilepsy relies heavily on antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine valproic acid have been primary medications used treat for several decades. Since 1993 AEDs approved by US FDA use epilepsy. choice AED is based primarily seizure type, spectrum clinical activity, side effect profile patient characteristics such as age, comorbidities concurrent medical treatments. Those broad-spectrum activity are often found exert an action at more than one molecular target. This article will review proposed mechanisms marketed discuss future development.