Subchronic Treatment with CBZ Transiently Attenuates Its Anticonvulsant Activity in the Maximal Electroshock-Induced Seizure Test in Mice.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the anticonvulsant efficacy of carbamazepine (CBZ) following acute and chronic administration across four treatment protocols in a murine model of maximal electroshock-induced seizures. A single dose of the drug was utilized as a control. The neurotoxic effects were evaluated in the chimney test and the passive avoidance task.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations for epilepsy - depression comorbidities.

Introduction: Epilepsy may be frequently associated with psychiatric disorders and its co-existence with depression usually results in the reduced quality of life of patients with epilepsy. Also, the efficacy of antiepileptic treatment in depressed patients with epilepsy may be significantly reduced.

Areas Covered: Results of experimental studies indicate that antidepressants co-administered with antiepileptic drugs may either increase their anticonvulsant activity, remain neutral or decrease the protective action of antiepileptic drugs in models of seizures.

Interactions between an antidepressant reboxetine and four classic antiepileptic drugs in the mouse model of myoclonic seizures.

Background: The incidence rate of depression among patients with epilepsy is relatively high. The basis of proper therapy is knowledge of drug interactions, which may enable to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize undesired effects of the combined treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on the seizure threshold and anticonvulsant effects of four classic antiepileptic drugs: valproate, phenobarbital, ethosuximide, and clonazepam.

Effect of cholecalciferol on the anticonvulsant action of some second generation antiepileptic drugs in the mouse model of maximal electroshock.

Background: From a theoretical point of view, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as a precursor of calcitriol, a representative of secosteroids, may have neuroprotective properties and affect seizure phenomena.

Methods: In the present study, interactions between cholecalciferol and three second generation antiepileptic drugs (oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, and topiramate) were studied in the maximal electroshock test in mice. Effects of drugs on motor coordination, long-term memory and explorative behavior of animals were evaluated in the chimney test, passive-avoidance task and plus-maze test, respectively.

The safety and efficacy of fosphenytoin for the treatment of status epilepticus.

Fosphenytoin, a water-soluble prodrug of the antiepileptic drug phenytoin, is entirely and rapidly converted to this antiepileptic drug. The mechanism of action of fosphenytoin is related to the blockade of voltage-operated sodium channels. It was developed in order to obtain a phenytoin-like drug with improved water solubility.