The anti convulsants, sometimes also called antiepileptics, belong to a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in prevention of the occurrence of epileptic seizures.

More and more, anticonvulsants are also finding ways into the treatment of bipolar disorder, since many appear to act as mood stabilizers.

The goal of one anticonvulsant is to overpower the rapid and excessive firing of neurons that impulse a seizure. Failing this, a suitable anticonvulsant would impede the spread of the seizure inside the brain and offer protection in opposition to possible excitotoxic effects that may result in brain damage. in whatever manner, anticonvulsants themselves have been linked to lowered IQ and cell apoptosis.

Many anticonvulsants block Sodium (Na+) channels, Calcium (Ca2+) channels, AMPA receptors or NMDA receptors. Some anticonvulsants inhibit the metabolism of GABA or increase its release.

Some anticonvulsants require shown antiepileptogenic effects in animal models of epilepsy.

That is, they either prevent the expected development of epilepsy or can halt or reverse the progress of epilepsy. However, no drug has shown this effect in human trials.