Eslicarbazepine

Eslicarbazepine, a medication available in the form of sustained-release tablets, is an antiepileptic drug primarily used for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. It is specifically designed to control seizures by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of these episodes.
Eslicarbazepine is a potent inhibitor of voltage-gated sodium channels, which are involved in the generation and propagation of seizure activity. By blocking these channels, the medication helps to prevent the abnormal electrical discharges that trigger seizures.
The precise mechanism of action of eslicarbazepine is not entirely understood, but it is believed to involve a two-step biotransformation process. The medication is first converted into an active metabolite called licarbazepine, which then undergoes further metabolism to form another active compound called M3. Both of these metabolites contribute to the antiepileptic effect of eslicarbazepine.
Eslicarbazepine is typically prescribed as an adjunctive therapy, meaning it is used in addition to other antiepileptic drugs when the patient continues to experience seizures despite being on other medications. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and instructions carefully, as eslicarbazepine can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.