The pharmacological fight against epilepsy began many centuries ago when Hippocrates discovered that the cause of epilepsy is natural, as opposed to supernatural and, as a consequence, must be treated with a natural remedy. Even though science has significantly progressed since that era, the challenge to find remedies for epilepsy is ever present. The aim of this particular volume is to offer an up-to-date review of the most recent advances in antiepileptic drug development, considered from various viewpoints: (i) general, by taking into account the size of refractory epilepsy and its related problems; (ii) experimental, by exploring the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and the possiblility of influencing it through drugs, and (iii) clinical, by describing the results obtained with compounds currently at an advanced stage of testing.

This book gives an exhaustive account of the classification and management of epileptic disorders. It provides clear didactic guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of epileptic syndromes and seizures through thirteen chapters, complemented by a pharmacopoeia and CD ROM of video-EEGs.

Mechanisms of Action of Antiepileptic Drugs provides a review of all of the mechanisms of action (MOA) of each of the classes of antiepileptic drugs. This is a graphic-intensive text, with detailed illustrations of the various MOA. Introductory and concluding chapters discuss the relevance of MOA to clinical practice. A brief review of neurophysiology of normal and epileptic neurons is followed by individual chapters dedicated to the MOA of each class of antiepileptic drug.

This book reviews the use of antiepileptic drugs focusing on the interactions between these drugs and between antiepileptics and other drugs. These interactions can be beneficial or can cause harm. The aim of this book is to increase awareness of the possible impact of combination pharmacotherapies. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions are discussed supported by clinical and experimental data. The book consists of five sections covering the general concepts and advantages of combination therapies, the principles of drug interactions, the mechanisms of interactions, drug interactions in specific populations or in patients with co-morbid health conditions, and concludes with a look at the future directions for this field of research. The book will be of interest to all who prescribe antiepileptics to epileptic and non-epileptic patients, including epileptologists, neurologists, neuro-pediatricians, psychiatrists and general practitioners.

Covers all aspects of epilepsy, from basic mechanisms to diagnosis and management, as well as legal and social considerations.

In recent years our understanding of molecular mechanisms of drug action and interindividual variability in drug response has grown enormously. Meanwhile, the practice of anesthesiology has expanded to the preoperative environment and numerous locations outside the OR. Anesthetic Pharmacology: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice, 2nd edition, is an outstanding therapeutic resource in anesthesia and critical care: Section 1 introduces the principles of drug action, Section 2 presents the molecular, cellular and integrated physiology of the target organ/functional system and Section 3 reviews the pharmacology and toxicology of anesthetic drugs. The new Section 4, Therapeutics of Clinical Practice, provides integrated and comparative pharmacology and the practical application of drugs in daily clinical practice. Edited by three highly acclaimed academic anesthetic pharmacologists, with contributions from an international team of experts, and illustrated in full colour, this is a sophisticated, user-friendly resource for all practitioners providing care in the perioperative period.

This volume provides up to date knowledge of the pharmacologies of the various antiepileptic drugs, especially those which have become available since 1984 when the previous edition (Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology, Volume 74: Antiepileptic Drugs, edited by H.-H. Frey and D. Janz) appeared. The data concerning the individual drugs are presented in a structured format. There are also chapters providing overviews of subjects such as the neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms of action of the antiepileptic drugs, their testing in experimental animals, their interactions, their clinical use, and the new agents currently in the course of development.