Epilepsy drugs Flashcards
How do anti-epileptic drugs work
Decreases membrane excitability
Decrease glutamate synaptic transmission
Increase GABA synaptic transmission
Na+ channel blockers
- Function
- Examples
Prevents partial seizure by blocking Na+ channels without affecting baseline function
Examples:
- Phenytoin
- Lamotrogine
- Carbamazepine
- Lacosamide
Carbamazepine
Competitive voltage gated Na+ channel blocker.
- Binds to receptor in inactive state
- Prolongs repolarisation
Topiramate
Wide spectrum anticonvulsant
- Binds to inhibit AMPA/kainate receptors
Can have many side effects due to its wide spectrum nature
Perampanel
Non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist
Reduces spread and generalisation of seizures
Topiramate
Controls glutamate release by affecting voltage-gated Ca2+ channels
Gabapentin
Controls neurotransmitter release by affecting voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.
Ethosuximide
T-type Ca2+ channel blocker
- Most effective for absence seizures
Sodium valproate
Anticonvulsant
Blocks Na+ channels which increases GABA secretions.
Enzyme inhibitor- drug interaction
Benzodiazepine
GABA-alpha agonist
- Anticonvulsant drug
Examples:
- Clobazam
- Loraepam
Barbiturates
GABA-alpha agonists
- Anticonvulsant
Tiagabine
GABA uptake inhibitor
Vigabatrin
GABA transaminase inhibitor
Levetiracetem
Neurotransmitter release modulator
- High affinity synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand
Has less side affects compared to to other generalised drugs
Medications best for primary generalised epilepsy
First line:
- Sodium valproate
- Lamotrigine
Levetiracetam
Topiramate
Zonisamide
