HOME MEDICATION CATEGORY 4: ANTICONVULSANTS General Statement Seizures are disorders of nerve impulse transmissions in the brain. Anticonvulsants are most often used in the control of these disorders. They are not a cure; rather anticonvulsants must be taken prophylactically to minimize seizure activity in specific areas of the brain. Seizures of different origins are often categorized into the syndrome known as epilepsy. There are five categories of epileptic disorders, ranging from special cases such as febrile seizures, to generalized and localized seizures. The types of anticonvulsants are as varied as the types of seizures they control. Although their exact mechanisms are not completely known, they all seem to depress certain releases of neurotransmitters directly, or activate inhibitory pathways that produce the same effect. Hydantoins are known to activate an inhibitory pathway that exists in the cerebral cortex that seems to stop the spread of seizure activity. Carbamazepine is a type of anticonvulsant that seems to reduce neural activity in part of the thalamus. Clonazepam increase presynaptic inhibition and suppressing the spread of seizure activity. Valproic Acid appears to have its effect on the postsynaptic sites of a nerve synapse. Topamax has multiple effects, including the blockage of sodium channels, that make it an effective anticonvulsant. Phenobarbitol is a barbiturate that is also an effective anticonvulsant. It appears to work similarly to valproic acid, in that a inhibitory activity of a specific neurotransmitter known as GABA is increased or mimicked. Regardless of the exact medication or combination of medications, dosages are calculated to the individual patient. It is not unusual to contact a patient several times in a short period of time while his dosing regimen is being controlled. Exact medications and their dosages are achieved when the seizure activity is terminated. Examples of anticonvulsant medications Hydantoins Carbamazepine Clonazepam Valproic Acid Other medications Phenytoin Tegretol Klonopin Depakote Phenobarbitol Dilantin Diazepam (valium)
