Mechanisms of Action of Currently Prescribed and Newly Developed Antiepileptic Drugs |
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Authors: | Robert L Macdonald † Kevin M Kelly |
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Institution: | *Departments of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A.;†Departments of Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, U.S.A. |
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Abstract: | Summary: Clinically available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) decrease membrane excitability by interacting with neurotransmitter receptors or ion channels. AEDs developed before 1980 appear to act on sodium (Na) channels, -y-aminobutyric acidA (GABAA) receptors, or calcium (Ca) channels. Benzodiazepines and barbiturates enhance GABAA-receptor-mediated inhibition. Phenytoin, car-bamazepine and, possibly, valproate (VPA) decrease high-frequency repetitive firing of action potentials by enhancing Na channel inactivation. Ethosuximide and VPA reduce a low threshold (T-type) Ca-channel current. The mechanisms of action of recently developed AEDs are less clear. Lamotrigine may decrease sustained high-frequency repetitive firing of voltage-dependent Na action potentials, and gabapentin (GBP) appears to bind to a specific binding site in the CNS with a restricted regional distribution. However, the identity of the binding site and the mechanism of action of GBP remain uncertain. The antiepileptic effect of felbamate may involve interaction at the strychnine-insensitive glycine site of the Af-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, but the mechanism of action is not yet proven. |
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Keywords: | Anticonvulsants Phenytoin Carbamazepine Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Valproate Ethosuximide Lamotrigine Gabapentin Felbamate |
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