Question

Can you please give an example of anticonvulsants then describe what it is. Include it is mechanism of action along with one risk and one benefit.

Answer 1

An anticonvulsant is a group of medication which is used to treat epileptic seizures, some times it also used bipolar and borderline personality disorders.

One of the common anticonvulsants is LORAZEPAM.

Mechanism of action

- It is a benzodiazepine with the anticonvulsant property. It inhibits the receptor of a neurotransmitter called GABA (Gama Amino Butyric Acid).

This binding increases Gama aminobutyric acid inhibitory effects which lead to the stabilization of cellular plasma membrane and hyperpolarization by increasing the flow of chloride ions. When it binds in the cerebral cortex then it controls the seizure disorders.

RISK:-

- It depresses the central nervous system and causes a sedative effect so it is contraindicated in existing Central nervous system depression and sleep apnoea.

BENEFITS:-

- It is used as an emergency drug for immediate seizure control because the onset of action of Lorazepam is very rapid.