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types of seizures defined by the international classification of seizures. These

include grand mal (tonic-clonic), petit mal (absence), and psychomotor seizures.

Epilepsy is treated by using anticonvulsant medication.

Hydantoins (phenytoin, mephenytoin, ethotoin)

These treat grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizures and psychomotor seizures.

Barbiturates (Phenobarbital, mephobarbital, primidone)

These are used for treating grand mal and acute episodes or status epilepticus;

meningitis, toxic reactions, and eclampsia

Succinimides (ethosuximide)

These are used to treat absence seizures and may be used in combination with

other anticonvulsants.

Oxazolidones (trimethadione)

This is used to treat petit mal seizures and may be used in combination with

other drugs or singly for treating refractory petit mal seizures.

Benzodiazepines (diazepam, clonazepam)

These are effective in controlling petit mal seizures.

Carbamazepine

This is effective in treating refractory seizure disorders that have not responded

to other anticonvulsant therapies. It is also used to control grand mal and partial

seizures and a combination of these seizures.

Valproate (valproic acid)

This is used to treat petit mal, grand mal, and mixed types of seizures.

Anticonvulsant medication works one of three ways:

1.It can suppress the sodium influx by binding to the sodium channel pro-

longing the channel’s inactivation and preventing neurons from firing.

2.It suppresses the calcium influx preventing stimulation of the T calcium

channel.

3.It increases the action of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibiting

neurotransmitters throughout the brain and thereby suppressing seizure

activity.

(^294) CHAPTER 15 Nervous System Drugs