Introduction Lacosamide is a newer-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) used for the treatment of focal (partial) seizures and adjunctive therapy for generalized seizures. It has a novel mechanism, targeting slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, which differentiates it from older AEDs. It is well tolerated and commonly prescribed in the US for both adults and children. … Read more
Introduction Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug and one of the most widely prescribed medications for neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and partial seizures. Originally developed as a GABA analog, it surprisingly does not act directly on GABA receptors. Instead, it binds to voltage-gated calcium channels, altering neurotransmitter release. It is also used off-label for conditions like … Read more
Introduction Ethosuximide is the first-line drug for treating absence seizures, a type of generalized seizure common in children. It is uniquely effective due to its action on T-type calcium channels in thalamic neurons, which are critical for the pathophysiology of absence seizures. Unlike most other AEDs, ethosuximide is not effective for other seizure types. It … Read more
Introduction Topiramate is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) known for its use in treating partial and generalized seizures, migraine prophylaxis, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It has a multi-modal mechanism, acting on sodium channels, GABA-A receptors, glutamate receptors, and carbonic anhydrase. Its wide range of targets makes it effective in both epilepsy and mood disorders, though side … Read more
Introduction Phenytoin is one of the oldest and most widely used antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), primarily for treating focal seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It has a well-known profile, acting on voltage-gated sodium channels to reduce high-frequency neuronal firing. Despite newer alternatives, phenytoin remains important, especially in emergency settings like status epilepticus (IV use). It’s a … Read more
Introduction Levetiracetam is a novel, broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) used in the treatment of partial seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is known for its favorable safety profile, minimal drug interactions, and ease of use in both adults and pediatric patients. Unlike older AEDs, levetiracetam acts through a unique synaptic mechanism. It is … Read more
Introduction Lamotrigine is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) and an effective mood stabilizer, especially in bipolar depression. It is commonly used to treat partial seizures, generalized seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and maintenance therapy in bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine has a unique profile with low sedation, minimal weight gain, and fewer cognitive side effects, making it ideal for … Read more
Introduction Carbamazepine is a classic antiepileptic drug (AED) and mood stabilizer. It is mainly used to treat partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder. Its primary action involves blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilizes neuronal membranes and prevents repetitive firing. It is frequently tested in pharmacology sections of USMLE, NCLEX, GPAT, and … Read more
Introduction Valproate (also known as valproic acid or divalproex sodium) is a widely used mood stabilizer and broad-spectrum antiepileptic. It is highly effective in treating bipolar disorder, generalized seizures, migraine prophylaxis, and acute mania. Its mechanism involves increased GABA levels, modulation of ion channels, and inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways. It’s frequently tested in exams … Read more
Introduction Lithium is the gold-standard mood stabilizer, used for managing bipolar disorder, especially to control acute manic episodes and prevent future mood swings. Though its exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, it’s known to influence intracellular signaling, neurotransmitter modulation, and second messenger systems. Lithium is also one of the few psychiatric medications that significantly reduces suicide … Read more
