Sedative in epilepsy

Withama somrufera L. Duna Solanaceae Afr, 3nd, Him, Pak roots antiepileptic as sedative in epilepsy -MEST +PTZ 95% ethanolic ext. (after 8 days administration) 170... 

The first effective remedy, potassium bromide, was introduced by Locock in 1857 (21). This drug was largely replaced by phenobarbital in 1912, when Hauptmann tried this sedative in epilepsy (22). Its great value was recognized at once, and it is still commonly prescribed. 

Clobazam is better tolerated than other benzodiazepines used in epilepsy (5). Its most common adverse effects are mild and transient drowsiness, dizziness, or fatigue rather less common are muscle weakness, restlessness, aggressiveness, weight increase, ataxia, mood disorders, psychotic and behavioral disturbances, vertigo, hypotonia, hypersalivation, and edema (SED-13, 152). There may be a loss of therapeutic response over time. 

There has been little scientific evaluation of aromatherapy oils but it is known that the terpenoid and phenylpropane compounds found in essential oils do possess biological activities ranging from antibacterial, antiinflammatory, sedative etc. There is evidence that molecules such as terpenoid hydrocarbons, esters etc. can be absorbed transdermally into the blood-stream. In addition, the massage element involving physical manipulation of strained tissues as well as the psychological effects of touch and of the smell of the oil, is of significance. Some trials of aromatherapy have shown benefits in intensive-care patients, in epilepsy and in endometriosis. The most popular oils are listed below with their claimed uses. 

Clorazepate, a benzodiazepine derivative with antianxiety, anticonvnlsant, and sedative hypnotic properties (30 mg p.o. initially), is indicated in acute alcohol withdrawal and is used as an adjnnct in epilepsy (see also Table 9). 

In the mid-nineteenth century, potassium and sodium bromides were found to depress the central nervous system. They were widely used as mild sedatives in headache powders (and even in treatments for epilepsy) for a century. Largely replaced now by more modern pharmaceuticals, such products have left a legacy in the English language. A bromide, to this day, refers to a statement, notion, or even a person that is dull and boring to the point that the listener is put to sleep. (It is hoped that this paragraph is not a bromide )... 

Traditional Medicine. Used as a sedative in treating neuralgia, insomnia, restlessness, headache, hysteria, epilepsy, and other nervous conditions. Also used in bath mixtures for its allegedly calming and soothing effects. 

C12H12N2O3. White crystals, m.p. 174°C. Prepared by condensing the ethyl ester of phenylethylmalonic acid with urea. It is a more active hypnotic than barbitone. It and its sodium salt - soluble phenobarbitone - are used as sedatives and in treating epilepsy. 

There is no shortage of AEDs (Fig. 16.7) but it is not appropriate to consider them in detail in this text other than to see how their mechanisms of action comply with and illustrate those proposed above (Fig. 16.6) for the control of epileptic seizures (see Meldrum 1996 Upton 1994). The decision on which drug to use depends not only on their proven efficacy in a particular type of epilepsy (some drugs are inactive in certain forms) but also what side-effects they have—many are sedative — how they interact with other drugs and how often they need to be taken. Compliance is a problem over a long period if dosing is required more than once a day. It is probably acceptable in reality, if not scientifically, to divide the drugs into old-established AEDs and new AEDs. Only the latter have been developed chemically to modify the known synaptic function of the amino acids. 

Anticonvulsant A drug used in the treatment of epilepsy, and to reduce the risk of seizures during detoxification from sedative-hypnotics. More recently these drugs have been used in the clinical management of bipolar disorders. 

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that is used in anaesthesia for the reversal of central sedative effects of benzodiazepines. It should not be administered rapidly so as to avoid patient wakening too rapidly, which can lead to agitation, anxiety, fear and convulsions, particularly in high-risk patients, e.g. those with a history of epilepsy or head injury. 

Rubidium metal and its salts bave very few commercial apphcations. They are used in research involving magnetohydrodynamics and thermoionic experiments. Rubidium is used in pbotocells. The metal also is a getter of oxygen in vacuum tubes. The beta-emitter rubidium -87 is used to determine age of some rocks and minerals. Radioisotopes of rubidium have been used as radioactive tracers to trace the flow of blood in the body. The iodide salt treats goiters. Rubidium salts are in pharmaceuticals as soporifics, sedatives, and for treating epilepsy. 

Cannabinoids have been used for over 4,000 years as a sedative, a remedy for relief of pain, epilepsy, and asthma, and in religious ceremonies. The Spanish brought Cannabis sativa to the Americas, and Mexican laborers introduced the drug into the southern portion of the United States around 1910. The plant has been used for its fiber (called hemp) content for over 2,000 years. Early American settlers grew the plant for its hemp... 

It is indicated as hypnotic, in anxiety, tension, muscle spasm, psychosomatic and behaviour disorders, dysmenorrhoea, cerebral palsy, upper motor neuron spasticity, sedative for surgical procedures, labour, tetanus, eclampsia and epilepsy. 

It is 1,5 benzodiazepine with a chemical structure slightly different from that of diazepam and clonazepam. This change in structure results in less sedative and psychomotor retardation. Though introduced as an anxiolytic it has been found to be useful in treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy. 

This herb has been part of folk medicine since pre-Christian times (247). It has been primarily used as a sedative and for the treatment of epilepsy. Consistent with this use, this herb reportedly can increase synaptic concentrations of GABA (248). GABA has also been isolated from Valeria and extracts of Valeria have been reported to bind to GABA receptors in rat brain. Although Valeria has been reported to be active in rodent models of depression, there have been no efficacy trials in humans. The potential adverse effects of Valeria include the sensation of strangeness ( 247) and several cases of liver damage (e.g., central lobular necrosis) (249). Mutagenicity in bacteria has been reported and attributed to unstable, water-insoluble valepotriates ( 238). As a result of these reports, many, but not all, commercial preparations of Valeria use water-soluble extracts standardized for their content of valeric acid. 

Once recognized as a tonic, tranquilizer, and antispasmodic, skullcap was therefore used as an ingredient in many patent medicines for female weakness. It was also combined with other reputedly calming herbs, such as hops and valerian, and promoted as a sedative or anxiolytic. Other traditional uses include treatment of epilepsy, headache, insomnia, various other neurological and psychiatric disorders, hypertension, fever, rheumatism, and stress. 

Skullcap is promoted commercially in the U.S. as a sedative, anxiolytic, and spasmolytic and is promoted for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps, depression, exhaustion, and muscle pain caused by stress. Other claimed uses are for headache and epilepsy. 

Skullcap is known to have anticonvulsant and sedative properties. Traditionally, it has been used for epilepsy, chorea, hysteria, nervous tension states, and specifically for grand mal. In Chinese herbal medicine, the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi have been used traditionally as a remedy for inflammation, suppurative dermatitis, allergic diseases, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerosis. 

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