ANTICONVULSANTS

PHENYTOIN “Dilantin”

• Inhibits spread of seizure discharge through the brain by blocking sodium channels and inhibit generation of repetitive action potentials

• Drug of first choice in grand mal; one of the most effective drugs against partial & generalized tonic-clonic seizures

• Side effects/toxic reactions: gum hypertrophy, eosinophilia, nystagmus

CARBAMAZEPINE “Tegretol”

• A tricyclic compound similar to antidepressants

• Similar mechanism of action to phenytoin

• Drug of choice for partial seizures & generalized tonic-clonic seizures; may be used with phenytoin in resistant patients

• Effective in trigeminal neuralgia

• Side effects/toxic reactions: diplopia, ataxia

• Enhances metabolism of warfarin

CLONAZEPAM “Rivotril”

• Benzodiazepine

• Long acting

• Effective against absence seizures & myoclonic seizures

• One of the most potent antiepileptic agents known

• Side effects: drowsiness, ataxia