Other Definitions
anticonvulsant (dict)
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AnticonvulsantThe anticonvulsants, sometimes also called antiepileptics, belong to a diverse group of pharmaceuticals used in prevention of the occurrence of epileptic seizures. Many typical anticonvulsants work by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels in the brain. Barbiturates Main article: Barbiturates Barbiturates are drugs that acts as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and by virtue of this they produce a wide spectrum of effects, from mild sedation to anesthesia. Some also are used as anticonvulsants. The following are barbiturates: Hydantoins Main article: Hydantoins As hydantoins have a slow onset of action, they are not recommended for acute control of epilepsy. The following are hydantoins: Oxazolidines Main article: Oxazolidines The following are oxazolidines: Succinimides Main article: Succinimides The following are succinimides: Benzodiazepines Main article: Benzodiazepines The benzodiazepines are a class of drugs with hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsive, amnestic and muscle relaxant properties. They are believed to act on the GABA receptor GABAA, the activation of which dampens higher neuronal activity. They began to be widely prescribed for stress-related ailments in the 1960s and 1970s. Benzodiazepines are often used for short-term relief of severe, disabling anxiety. Long-term use can be problematic due to the development of tolerance and dependency. These drugs are preferred to the use of barbiturates because they have a lower abuse potential and relatively lower adverse reactions and interactions. However, drowsiness, ataxia, confusion, vertigo, impaired judgement, and a number of other effects are still common. The following are benzodiazepines. These drugs are listed in order of the shortest acting to the longest acting (by the approximate half-life of the drug), however this time may greatly vary between persons. These drugs are not benzodiazepines, but have similar effects: Carboxamides Main article: Carboxamides The following are carboxamides: Fatty Acids Main article: Fatty acids The following are fatty-acids: Others
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