Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid GABA into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Antipsychotic drugs in epilepsy
Natalia Górska1, Jakub Słupski2, Wiesław J Cubała2
1Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland. nataliagorska@gumed.edu.pl.
Psychiatric medications, particularly antipsychotics, can increase seizure risk in epilepsy patients. Careful dosing and monitoring are crucial to minimize this risk.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- High prevalence of psychiatric disorders in epilepsy patients.
- Antipsychotic medications are known to increase seizure risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the risk of seizure induction by antipsychotic drugs in patients with epilepsy.
- To provide guidance on safe antipsychotic prescribing in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on antipsychotic use and seizures in epilepsy.
- Analysis of seizure risk associated with different classes and specific antipsychotic drugs.
- Examination of the relationship between plasma levels and seizure incidence.
Main Results:
- First-generation antipsychotics generally have a low seizure risk, except chlorpromazine.
- Clozapine presents the highest seizure risk among second-generation antipsychotics.
- Risperidone, quetiapine, amisulpride, and aripiprazole show a significantly lower risk.
Conclusions:
- Antipsychotic-induced seizures are linked to elevated blood plasma levels.
- Strategies to mitigate risk include low-dose initiation, slow titration, serum level monitoring, and using the minimal effective dose.
Related Concept Videos
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: 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...
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...
Psychosis and Antipsychotic Drugs: Overview
Antipsychotic Drugs: Therapeutic Uses and Side Effects
Despite these side effects, antipsychotics are used therapeutically for various purposes, including managing schizophrenia, preventing nausea and vomiting, curbing...

