Update on the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs

Sills, G.J. and Brodie, M.J. (2001) Update on the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs. Epileptic Disorders, 3(4), pp. 165-172. (PMID:11844711)

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Abstract

After a hiatus of almost 20 years, nine new antiepileptic drugs were licensed during the last decade of the 20th century. Expansion of the range of drug treatments for epilepsy complicates selection of the most suitable drug, or combination of drugs, for individual patients. Clinical experience suggests that mechanism of action may become an important criterion in this decision-making process. At the cellular level, three major pharmacological actions are recognised: modulation of voltage-dependent ion channels, enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmission, and attenuation of excitatory transmission. This review provides an update on the principal mechanisms of action of a range of established and modern antiepileptic drugs.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brodie, Professor Martin and Sills, Dr Graeme
Authors: Sills, G.J., and Brodie, M.J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Epileptic Disorders
Publisher:John Libbey Eurotext
ISSN:1294-9361
ISSN (Online):1950-6945

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