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Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
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: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators

Ezocgabine or retigabine, an antiepileptic drug of remarkable efficacy, has revolutionized the management of seizures. It is a potassium channel activator, explicitly targeting the family of Q subtype potassium channels. It enhances the transmembrane potassium currents, regulating neuronal excitability. This action stabilizes the resting membrane potential, a pivotal factor in mitigating the hyperexcitability that characterizes epilepsy.
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
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: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

Antiepileptic drugs are specialized medications that prevent seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. These drugs primarily function by blocking the movement of sodium ions through channels in the neuronal membrane, inhibiting the repetitive firing of action potentials often associated with seizures.
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: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
05:33

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

Published on: June 23, 2022

Levetiracetam.

Mar Carreno1

  • 1Epilepsy Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. mcarreno@clinic.ub.es

Drugs of Today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998)
|January 5, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a versatile antiepileptic drug offering a favorable pharmacokinetic profile and minimal drug interactions. Its efficacy is established for various seizure types, making it a valuable treatment option.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Neurology
  • Clinical Therapeutics

Background:

  • Levetiracetam (LEV) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug.
  • It is a pyrrolidine derivative with favorable pharmacokinetics, including high bioavailability and minimal drug interactions.
  • LEV is available in oral and intravenous formulations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy and safety of Levetiracetam.
  • To highlight its pharmacokinetic advantages and therapeutic applications.
  • To discuss its potential in refractory epilepsy and other neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of controlled and open-label studies.
  • Analysis of pharmacokinetic data.
  • Assessment of safety and tolerability profiles.

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

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Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement
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Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement

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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
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Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale

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Main Results:

  • LEV demonstrates efficacy as monotherapy and add-on treatment for partial-onset and generalized seizures in adults and children.
  • It has a favorable pharmacokinetic profile with no significant drug-drug interactions.
  • Generally well-tolerated, with behavioral side effects noted.

Conclusions:

  • Levetiracetam is an effective and safe antiepileptic drug for various seizure types.
  • Its pharmacokinetic profile and formulation options make it suitable for patients with complex medical conditions.
  • Further research is needed to confirm its potential in other neurological disorders.