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The Toxicity of Newer and Lesser-Known Anticonvulsant Drugs

  • Acute Care Pharmacology and Toxicology (A King, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review describes newer and lesser-known anticonvulsant drugs. Due to increased diagnostic accuracy of seizure disorder subtypes, as well as escalating off-label and experimental usage, these agents are becoming more commonplace. Important mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, critical medication interactions, adverse reactions, toxicities, and treatment strategies are discussed.

Recent Findings

Cenobamate, clobazam, eslicarbazepine, ethosuximide, everolimus, felbamate, lacosamide, perampanel, methsuximide, levetiracetam (and the related compound brivaracetam), rufinamide, stiripentol, vigabatrin, and zonisamide are reviewed. As with much in medical toxicology, data and recommendations are derived mainly from physiology bench research, case studies, and expert opinion.

Summary

Anticonvulsants are a heterogeneous group of drugs, with newer and lesser-known agents increasing in prominence. These drugs have varied and unique mechanisms of action and toxicities, with which clinicians should be familiar.

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  1. Department of Emergency Medicine, The Poison Control Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Division of Medical Toxicology, Einstein Healthcare Network, Korman Research Building, Suite B-9, 5501 Old York Road, Philadelphia, PA, 19141, USA

    Steven J. Walsh, Richard J. Chen, Muhammed Ershad & James A. Krueger

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Walsh, S.J., Chen, R.J., Ershad, M. et al. The Toxicity of Newer and Lesser-Known Anticonvulsant Drugs. Curr Emerg Hosp Med Rep 8, 142–150 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40138-020-00220-7

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