ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses ethosuximide, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Zarontin®, ethosuximide is prescribed for absence (petit mal) seizures. Ethosuximide appears to elicit its anticonvulsant action by the following mechanisms: elevating the seizure threshold in the basal ganglia and cerebral cortex; and reducing synaptic response to low-frequency repetitive stimulation. Ethosuximide pharmacotherapy has been commonly associated with abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, loss of appetite (anorexia), nausea, and vomiting.
