Mechanism of action
These drugs work by binding to and stabilizing the inactivated state of sodium channels in neurons, which reduces the excitability of the neuron and can lead to decreased activity in areas of the brain such as the thalamus and decreased synaptic transmission and summation of temporal stimulation. This can ultimately lead to decreased neuronal discharge, which can have therapeutic effects in certain conditions such as seizures, pain, and hypertension.
Spectrum
It is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It is primarily used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder. It is also used off-label for several other conditions, such as neuropathic pain, trigeminal neuralgia, and borderline personality disorder. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The therapeutic range for carbamazepine is 4-12 mcg/ml; levels above this may cause adverse effects such as drowsiness, ataxia, and diplopia.
