Anticonvulsants or Antiepileptic Drugs

Anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to stop an ongoing seizure or to decrease the frequency or severity of anticipated future seizures. During a seizure episode or status epilepticus, the route of administration for AEDs is IV ( see Table: Drugs Used for Treatment of Status Epilepticus). For longterm maintenance, the oral route is preferred, although absorption may be limited or variable depending on the drug used ( see Table: Antiepileptic Drugs). SC or IM injections are seldom used because of the variability in drug absorption.