Antiepileptic drugs: expanded options and improved tolerance
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
David J Leszczyszyn1, John M Pellock
1Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0211, USA.
Abstract:
Five new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have been approved in the last five years and several new formulations and new dose strengths for both the classical and newer agents exist. Patients arriving for neurodiagnostic studies are often on complex regimens with medications being weaned and new agents being added. All technologists need a working knowledge of the known mechanisms and indications for these drugs in addition to an understanding of their potential adverse effects. Fortunately the latter problems are limited in this recent generation of drugs and their broad spectrum of action is leading to improved seizure control and better quality of life for our patients.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
