Succinimide anticonvulsants are used to control certain seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. These medicines act on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number and severity of seizures.

What is the mechanism of action of ethosuximide?

The exact mechanism of action of ethosuximide is not entirely understood. Ethosuximide inhibits NADPH-linked aldehyde reductase necessary for the formation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, which has been associated with the induction of absence seizures. Ethosuximide also appears to inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase system.

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin?

Mechanism of action

Phenytoin is believed to protect against seizures by causing voltage-dependent block of voltage gated sodium channels. This blocks sustained high frequency repetitive firing of action potentials.