Anticonvulsant toxicity

Abstract

Anticonvulsant medications are used in the treatment of epilepsy as neuropathic pain, migraine and psychiatric illness. Anticonvulsants suppress neuronal excitation to reduce the likelihood of seizure activity. Generally, management is supportive, with correction of physiological and metabolic parameters. Drug concentrations can help guide specific treatments such as l-carnitine (for valproate) and multiple-dose activated charcoal (for carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital). Extracorporeal treatments can be used to enhance elimination.