Amino acid transmittersGlutamate (GLU) –excitation of neurons

GABA (Gamma-amino butyric acid) – inhibition of neurons

Choices of antiepileptic drugs

First line Second line

Partial seizure

Carbamazepine Iamotrigine, phenytoin, tiagabine, topiramate, valproate, gabapentin

Generalised tonic-clonic

ValproateCarbamazepine

Iamotrigine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin, topiramate

Absence (petit mal) seizures

ValproateEthosuximide

Clobazam, clonazepam, iamotrigine

Status epilepticus

IV diazepam/ midozolam/clonazepam