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Related Concept Videos

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

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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...
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators01:20

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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...
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

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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...
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers01:08

Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers

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

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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...
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Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers01:17

Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers

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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: Apr 10, 2026

Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
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Lacosamide add-on therapy for partial epilepsy.

Jennifer Weston1, Arif Shukralla, Andrew J McKay

  • 1Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Clinical Sciences Centre for Research and Education, Lower Lane, Fazakerley, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, L9 7LJ.

The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 17, 2015
PubMed
Summary

Lacosamide effectively reduces seizure frequency in adults with drug-resistant partial epilepsy. While generally well-tolerated short-term, higher doses may increase adverse effects and withdrawal.

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Area of Science:

  • Epilepsy and Antiepileptic Drug Research
  • Clinical Trial Analysis and Evidence Synthesis

Background:

  • Many epilepsy patients do not achieve seizure freedom with initial antiepileptic drugs, necessitating add-on treatments.
  • A significant portion of patients remain refractory to multiple drug combinations, highlighting the need for effective add-on therapies.
  • Lacosamide is an established antiepileptic drug approved for add-on treatment in partial epilepsy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of lacosamide as an add-on therapy for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
  • To evaluate the tolerability and safety profile of lacosamide in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of add-on lacosamide.
  • Searched multiple databases including Cochrane, MEDLINE, Scopus, and clinical trial registries.
  • Assessed outcomes: ≥50% seizure reduction, seizure freedom, treatment withdrawal, and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Three RCTs (1311 participants) with moderate to high evidence quality were included.
  • Lacosamide significantly increased the likelihood of ≥50% seizure reduction (RR 1.70) and treatment withdrawal (RR 1.88) versus placebo.
  • Significantly associated adverse effects included abnormal coordination, diplopia, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Conclusions:

  • Lacosamide demonstrates short-term efficacy and fair tolerability as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy in adults.
  • Higher lacosamide doses correlate with increased adverse effects and drug withdrawal.
  • Further research is needed on efficacy in children and long-term outcomes.