Review on Antiepileptic Drugs

The “Antiepileptic Drug” discusses epilepsy and the role of medications in managing seizures. Epilepsy affects around 1% of the global population, and while antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) do not cure the condition, they control seizure frequency and severity. The text reviews the historical development of AEDs from early plant-based remedies to modern compounds and explains their mechanisms, primarily involving modulation of sodium and calcium channels and enhancement of GABAergic inhibition. It classifies AEDs into groups such as barbiturates, hydantoins, succinimides, benzodiazepines, and newer drugs like vigabatrin, tiagabine, and lamotrigine. The recent drug XEN1101 shows promising results for treatment-resistant focal epilepsy. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, and mood changes, pathophysiology and the sign and symptoms of that drug while precautions are needed when combining AEDs with alcohol or driving. The paper concluded that although newer drugs improve tolerance and safety, more effective and individualized therapies are still required for optimal epilepsy management