How Do Succinimide Anticonvulsants Work?

Succinimide anticonvulsants are a class of antiepileptic medications effective against absence seizures. They do not treat other types of seizures. Absence seizures are commonly found in children and are characterized by a temporary loss of awareness and subtle body movements such as eye blinking and lip-smacking.

Seizures are caused due to a disturbance in the electrical activity in the brain. The nerve cells in the brain send electrical and chemical signals to communicate with each other. Absence seizures develop due to the disturbance of electrical activity in the thalamus region of the brain. In an electroencephalogram, absence seizures can be identified by a spike-and-wave electrical discharge. This discharge is caused due to the imbalance of stimulatory and inhibitory chemical signals (neurotransmitters) in the thalamic region of the brain.

Succinimide anticonvulsants reduce the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby reducing the spike-and-wave electrical discharge from the brain.

Succinimide anticonvulsants are mostly used to treat absence seizures.

Some of the common side effects of succinimide anticonvulsants include:

• Dizziness
• Redness
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Blood in the urine
• Protein in the urine
• Ataxia (impaired balance or coordination caused due to damage to brain, nerves, or muscles)
• Sleepiness

Some of the serious side effects include:

• Suicidal behavior
• Psychotic disorder
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Severe allergic reactions

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of succinimide anticonvulsants include:

• Celontin
• Ethosuximide
• Methsuximide
• Zarontin