Title:Elucidating the Potential Side Effects of Current Anti-Seizure Drugs for Epilepsy
Volume: 19
Issue: 11
Author(s): Enes Akyüz, Betül Köklü , Cansu Ozenen, Alina Arulsamy and Mohd. Farooq Shaikh *
Affiliation:
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Selangor,Malaysia
Keywords:
AED, ASD, pharmacological treatment, adverse effect, comorbidity, anticonvulsant.
Abstract: Over the decades, various interventions have been developed and utilized to treat epilepsy.
However, the majority of epileptic patients are often first prescribed anti-epileptic drugs (AED),
now known as anti-seizure drugs (ASD), as the first line of defense to suppress their seizures and
regain their quality of life. ASDs exert their anti-convulsant effects through various mechanisms of
action, including regulation of ion channels, blocking glutamate-mediated stimulating neurotransmitter
interaction, and enhancing the inhibitory GABA transmission. About one-third of epileptic
patients are often resistant to anti-convulsant drugs, while others develop numerous side effects,
which may lead to treatment discontinuation and further deterioration of quality of life. Common
side effects of ASDs include headache, nausea and dizziness. However, more adverse effects, such
as auditory and visual problems, skin problems, liver dysfunction, pancreatitis and kidney disorders
may also be witnessed. Some ASDs may even result in life-threatening conditions as well as serious
abnormalities, especially in patients with comorbidities and in pregnant women. Nevertheless, some
clinicians had observed a reduction in the development of side effects post individualized ASD
treatment. This suggests that a careful and well-informed ASD recommendation to patients may be
crucial for an effective and side-effect-free control of their seizures. Therefore, this review aimed to
elucidate the anticonvulsant effects of ASDs as well as their side effect profile by discussing their
mechanism of action and reported adverse effects based on clinical and preclinical studies, thereby
providing clinicians with a greater understanding of the safety of current ASDs.
