Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs) are medications used to control and prevent seizures by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain.
Definition of Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDS):
- AEDs are used to suppress abnormal electrical activity in the brain associated with epileptic seizures.
- Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
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Classification of Anti-Epileptic Drugs
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Based on Mechanism of Action
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| Mechanism | Examples |
| Sodium channel blockers | Phenytoin, Carbamazepine, Lamotrigine, Lacosamide |
| Calcium channel blockers (T-type) | Ethosuximide |
| GABA enhancers | Benzodiazepines, Phenobarbital, Valproate |
| Glutamate inhibition (NMDA/AMPA block) | Topiramate, Felbamate |
| SV2A modulation (synaptic vesicle) | Levetiracetam |
| Carbonic anhydrase inhibition | Topiramate, Zonisamide |
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Based on Clinical Use
- Drugs for Generalized Seizures
- Tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic
- Valproic acid (broad-spectrum)
- Lamotrigine
- Topiramate
- Levetiracetam
- Ethosuximide (absence seizures only)
- Tonic-clonic, absence, myoclonic
- Drugs for Focal (Partial) Seizures
- Carbamazepine
- Phenytoin
- Lamotrigine
- Levetiracetam
- Lacosamide
- Drugs for Status Epilepticus
- Benzodiazepines (Lorazepam, Diazepam) – 1st line
- Phenytoin / Fosphenytoin – Maintenance
- Phenobarbital – Refractory cases
- Drugs for Generalized Seizures
General Adverse Effects of AEDs
- CNS effects: Sedation, dizziness, ataxia, cognitive impairment
- GI effects: Nausea, vomiting
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Lamotrigine)
- Hepatotoxicity: Valproic acid
- Blood dyscrasias: Carbamazepine
- Gingival hyperplasia: Phenytoin
- Teratogenicity: Valproate (neural tube defects), Phenytoin, Carbamazepine
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