Antiepileptic drugs
Antiepileptic Drugs
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), also known as antiseizure drugs or anticonvulsants, are a diverse group of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of epileptic seizures. Antiepileptic drugs are also increasingly being used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, since many seem to act as mood stabilizers, and for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Pronunciation
Antiepileptic: /ˌæntiˌɛpɪˈlɛptɪk/ Drugs: /drʌɡz/
Etymology
The term "antiepileptic" comes from the Greek words "anti-", meaning against, and "epilepsia", meaning seizure. The term "drugs" comes from the Old French "drogue", possibly derived from the Middle Dutch word "droge-vate" (barrels, i.e., "dry barrels"), referring to medicinal substances preserved in these containers.
Types of Antiepileptic Drugs
There are several types of antiepileptic drugs, many of which have different mechanisms of action. Some of the most commonly used AEDs include:
Mechanism of Action
Antiepileptic drugs work by altering the electrical activity of neurons in the brain. They do this by modifying the activity of ion channels, or by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antiepileptic drugs can cause side effects. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. More serious side effects can include depression, memory problems, and skin rashes.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiepileptic drugs
- Wikipedia's article - Antiepileptic drugs
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