C. Mechanism of action of antiepileptic drugs

Drugs reduce seizures through such mechanisms as blocking voltagegated channels (Na+ or Ca2+), enhancing inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic impulses, and interfering with excitatory glutamate transmission. Some antiepileptic drugs appear to have multiple targets within the CNS, whereas the mechanism of action for some agents is poorly defined. Antiepilepsy drugs suppress seizures but do not “cure” or “prevent” epilepsy.