Pharmacology of Antiepileptic Drugs

Phenobarbital
– Barbiturate used for partial seizures, especially in
neonates. Oldest of the currently used AEDs
– Very strong sedation; Cognitive impairment;
Behavioral changes
– Very long half-life (up to ~5days); #Induces P450
– Tolerance may arise; Risk of dependence
– Primidone, another barbiturate metabolized to
Phenobarbital, and Phenobarbital are now seldom
used in initial therapy, owing to side-effects