ethosuximide / Generic mfg. - LARVOL DELTA

Can One Predict Persistence beyond Adolescence in Childhood Absence Epilepsy? (PubMed, Acta Neurol Taiwan) - "The majority of CAE patients attained seizure control over 2 years with EEG normalization before the age of 16 years, and all of them went on to achieve seizure freedom. Almost 3/4th of the patients who are likely to attain seizure control and achieve seizure freedom will do so with the first-line ASM. In addition, ESM should be the first ASM for patients with CAE with SSW, but VPA may be used as the first ASM for patients with CAE with PSW. Furthermore, seizure control and freedom are still possible in some patients with rCAE. Persistent PSW and later development of additional seizure type may predict refractory status and, in some patients, evolving JME."

Journal • Retrospective data • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Treatment responses to antiseizure medication in children with Angelman syndrome. (PubMed, Eur J Paediatr Neurol) - "The three most prescribed ASMs (valproate, ethosuximide and levetiracetam) in our cohort showed high responder rates in children with Angelman Syndrome. Overall seizure burden and rates of therapy-refractory epilepsy were lower than previously reported, suggesting that combining new and established ASMs may improve seizure outcomes in this population."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Psychiatry

Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures: a comprehensive review with emphasis on current and emerging pharmacotherapies. (PubMed, Expert Rev Neurother) - "Treatment is reviewed hierarchically, from valproate, clobazam, levetiracetam and ethosuximide as commonly used first- and second-line agents to the ketogenic diet, cannabidiol, felbamate, and sulthiame for drug-resistant disease. Although approximately two-thirds of patients with EMAtS achieve seizure remission, a substantial minority experience drug-resistant seizure, intellectual disability, and behavioral comorbidities, underscoring the importance of timely diagnosis, appropriate pharmacotherapy, and early consideration of the ketogenic diet in drug-resistant cases. As precision therapeutics advance, syndrome-based care will increasingly be complemented by treatments tailored to the specific genetic etiology."

Journal • Review • CNS Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Mental Retardation • CHD2 • SLC2A1 • XBP1

Potential Role of CYP3A4 in Determining In Vivo Exposure to Cannabidiol (CBD) and its Active Metabolite 7-OH-CBD: Evidence from an In Vitro Study. (PubMed, Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet) - "ASMs with CYP3A4-inhibitory potential may alter systemic exposure to both CBD and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as demonstrated in vitro. However, co-administration of CBD with CYP3A4-substrate ASMs or CYP2C19 inhibitors is predicted to result in only modest increases in CBD exposure."

Journal • Preclinical • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • CYP2C19 • CYP2C9 • CYP3A4

Ethosuximide-induced lupus erythematosus: Unveiling a rare adverse reaction through systematic review. (PubMed, Epilepsy Behav Rep) - "Its clinical and serological profiles overlap those of idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus and classic DILE. Early recognition and prompt discontinuation of ESM typically result in rapid remission and may prevent unnecessary prolonged immunosuppression."

Journal • Review • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Musculoskeletal Pain • Rheumatology • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

A Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Screening Tool for Antiepileptic Drugs. (PubMed, Electrophoresis) - "This study presents an affordable micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) method for the simultaneous analysis of six commonly used antiepileptic drugs: ethosuximide, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and diazepam. Application of the method to five antiepileptic tablet formulations obtained from the Ethiopian market demonstrated its suitability as a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective screening tool. Overall, the developed MEKC method provides a practical analytical approach for antiepileptic medicines' quality assessment in resource-limited settings, supporting efforts to strengthen regulatory surveillance and safeguard public health."

Journal

Parvalbumin interneuron activation rescues both seizures and impaired social novelty in digenic absence epilepsy mice. (PubMed, Sci Adv) - "We found that ethosuximide, a first-line anti-CAE medication targeting thalamic low-threshold T-type calcium currents, suppressed seizures in DiGstg+Ca1A mice but failed to rescue their social deficit...Remarkably, chemogenetic activation of cortical and thalamic PV interneurons using DREADDs not only suppressed seizures but also rescued the impaired social behavior. Together, our results suggest that selective modulation of PV interneuron activity in polygenic absence epilepsy could serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to address both absence seizures, and the often treatment-resistant neurocognitive comorbidities observed in CAE."

Journal • Preclinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • CACNA1A • CAV3

Electroclinical and behavioral outcomes of add-on ethosuximide in children with developmental and epileptic encephalopathy with spike-wave activation in sleep (D/EE-SWAS): A prospective observational study. (PubMed, Seizure) - "Add-on ethosuximide was associated with favorable electroclinical and behavioral outcomes in children with D/EE-SWAS and was generally well tolerated. EEG normalization was more likely in idiopathic disease, while behavioral improvements were observed across etiologic groups. Controlled studies are needed to define the role of ethosuximide within the therapeutic strategy for D/EE-SWAS."

Journal • Observational data • CNS Disorders • Eosinophilia • Epilepsy • Pediatrics

Neurologists' Views on the Management of Uncontrolled Epilepsy in Spain: A Preliminary Survey. (PubMed, Neurol Ther) - "There is a discrepancy between neurologists' treatment goals and their acceptance of persistent seizures in Spanish neurological practice. Several factors may be limiting the achievement of early seizure freedom, including short patient consultations and a lack of familiarity with new treatments, especially among epilepsy non-specialists. Addressing these barriers could improve outcomes for people with uncontrolled epilepsy."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Neurotropic potential and docking investigations of newly synthesized triazolopyridine and triazolothienopyridine derivatives. (PubMed, RSC Adv) - "Their anticonvulsant, anxiolytic and antidepressant activities were assessed using pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure, tonic seizure threshold, open-field, elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swim (FS) models. Ten derivatives demonstrated marked anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ model, with ED50 values lower than that of ethosuximide under the present experimental conditions...Compound 2g showed the strongest GABAA binding affinity (ΔG = -8.42 kcal mol-1), and 3f exhibited the highest affinity for SERT (ΔG = -10.45 kcal mol-1). These findings highlight the potential of fused triazolopyridine-based heterocycles as promising lead structures for the development of novel neuroactive agents with combined anticonvulsant and psychotropic properties."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Antiseizure Medications Impact Mitochondrial Ion Channels via Novel Bioenergetic and Neural Mechanisms. (PubMed, J Integr Neurosci) - "Phenytoin and carbamazepine reduce voltage-dependent anion channel isoform 1 (VDAC1)-associated mitochondrial permeability by modulating the Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) ratio; ethosuximide limits mitochondrial Ca2+ overload through modulation of the MCU complex; valproic acid stabilizes NCLX function and prevents mPTP opening via antioxidant mechanisms; levetiracetam contributes to preserving intracellular Ca2+ handling; and mitoKATP activators, including diazoxide and retigabine, promote mitochondrial membrane potential stability and reduce seizure-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The mitochondrial effects vary according to epilepsy subtype, contributing to the attenuation of hippocampal apoptosis in temporal lobe epilepsy and thalamocortical network modulation in generalized epilepsies. In this narrative review we examine the experimental and molecular evidence demonstrating how ASMs modulate mitochondrial ion..."

Journal • Review • B Cell Lymphoma • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Lymphoma • Oncology • BAX • VDAC1

Anti-seizure medications and DRESS in paediatric patients: A FAERS disproportionality and time-to-onset analysis. (PubMed, Br J Clin Pharmacol) - "Significant signals of DRESS associated with 13 ASMs were identified in paediatric populations. Notably, signals were detected for the first time for ethosuximide, perampanel, fosphenytoin and eslicarbazepine by disproportionality analysis. TTO analysis demonstrated wear-out or random failure-type patterns in the occurrence of ASM-associated DRESS."

Journal • CNS Disorders • Eosinophilia • Epilepsy • Pediatrics

Thalamic 5-HT2A Receptor Activation Reduces GABA Uptake, Increases Tonic GABAA Inhibition and Induces Absence Seizures in Wistar Rats. (PubMed, Neuropharmacology) - "EEG recordings in freely moving rats showed that bilateral microinjection of TCB-2 into the VB induced spike-and-wave discharges accompanied by behavioral arrest that were blocked by ethosuximide, indicating that they were absence seizures. In summary, these findings support a mechanism, through which serotonergic signaling via 5-HT2ARs can shape thalamocortical network dynamics and increase susceptibility to aberrant rhythmic activity, which could potentially occur under conditions of altered serotonergic tone."

Journal • Preclinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Cannabidiol reduces atypical absence seizures and epileptic spasms in a Gabrb3+/D120N mouse model of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. (PubMed, Epilepsia Open) - "Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare type of epilepsy that's hard to treat and poses a challenge for developing new drugs. Finding suitable animal models that accurately represent LGS is crucial. This article describes the development of a mouse model of LGS with a genetic mutation that increases seizures and epileptic spasms. We tested how different antiseizure drugs affect the mice. CBD, ethosuximide, and ulixacaltamide reduced seizure incidence and duration. CBD and vigabatrin also reduced spasm frequency in young mice. These promising results suggest the mouse model could be a valuable tool for drug discovery in LGS."

Journal • Preclinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Interactions between SSR504734, a selective glycine transporter type 1 inhibitor, and antiseizure drugs: pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic studies in mice. (PubMed, Neuropharmacology) - "Here, we examined the effect of SSR504734, a selective GlyT1 inhibitor, on the protective activity of six antiseizure medications, i.e., lamotrigine and topiramate in the maximal electroshock (MES) seizure test; levetiracetam and carbamazepine in the 6 Hz (32 mA) test; and valproate and ethosuximide in the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test in mice. Altogether, these in vivo findings indicate that GlyT1 inhibition may complement the mechanisms of action of diverse antiseizure drugs. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of GlyT1 inhibitors, preferably those with improved safety profiles, used alone or as adjunctive therapy with antiseizure medications."

Journal • PK/PD data • Preclinical • CNS Disorders • Cognitive Disorders • Epilepsy

SLC6A1-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A Scoping Review of Clinical Features and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. (PubMed, Pediatr Neurol) - P1/2 | "As a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, SLC6A1-related neurodevelopmental disorder is defined by a specific functional loss of GABA transport. This clear mechanistic substrate has allowed for the development of a highly focused translational pipeline, ranging from gene therapies to pharmacological chaperones. Critical gaps include the absence of prospective natural history data with standardized outcomes, lack of randomized controlled trials, and incomplete characterization of the adult phenotype. Prioritizing multinational registry-based cohort studies and validated disease-specific outcome measures is essential to support rigorous evaluation of transformative emerging therapies."

Journal • Review • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Cognitive Disorders • Developmental Disorders • Epilepsy • Gene Therapies • Mental Retardation • Psychiatry

Ethosuximide ameliorates clinical and pathological phenotypes in a mouse model of SCA42 (JSNE 2026) - No abstract available

Preclinical • Ataxia • Movement Disorders • Sickle Cell Disease

Ketogenic Diet for New-Onset Absence Epilepsy (clinicaltrials.gov) - P3 | N=40 | Recruiting | Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University | Trial completion date: May 2026 ➔ May 2028 | Trial primary completion date: May 2026 ➔ May 2028

Trial completion date • Trial primary completion date • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Induced Parkinsonism and Breakthrough Seizures in Medically Refractory Epilepsy: A Case Report (AAN 2026) - "Previously, multiple alternative antiseizure medications including Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, Ethosuximide, Zonisamide, and Levetiracetam were ineffective or poorly tolerated.The patient had received two cycles of Cemiplimab (March–April 2025) for SCC, after which his tremors and rigidity progressively worsened. Conclusions This case underscores that seizures and subacute parkinsonism are rare, but significant ICI related complications. Symptom stabilization was achieved with a combination of Lacosamide, Lamotrigine, Clobazam, and Corticosteroids after other antiepileptics were poorly tolerated."

Case report • Checkpoint inhibition • Clinical • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Immunology • Movement Disorders • Non-melanoma Skin Cancer • Oncology • Parkinson's Disease • Squamous Cell Carcinoma • Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures Secondary to Forced Normalization Phenomenon in a Patient with Eyelid Myoclonia with Absence Epilepsy (Jeavons Syndrome): A Case Report (AAN 2026) - "Design/Methods A 26-year-old female with long-standing, drug-resistant EEM began experiencing eyelid myoclonia and absence seizures at age 10, refractory to multiple antiseizure medications (oxcarbazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, lacosamide)...Ethosuximide was discontinued, while levetiracetam and clobazam were maintained...Ethosuximide may act as a pharmacological trigger in susceptible patients. Early recognition of FN is crucial for preventing misdiagnosis and optimizing interdisciplinary management strategies."

Case report • Clinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Depression • Epilepsy • Mood Disorders

Validation of Pediatric Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsy Diagnoses from the Danish National Patient Register During 1994-2019 (AAN 2026) - "Adding ethosuximide prescription before age 8 years improved the PPV for childhood absence epilepsy to 59%, but sensitivity remained low (17%)...Conclusions The Danish National Patient Register and the Danish Prescription Database are not reliable for identifying idiopathic generalized epilepsy subtypes in children, except juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, which can be identified with acceptable accuracy but should be interpreted with caution. Without chart review, register data can only identify the broad category of “any epilepsy” (ICD-10: G40–G41) rather than specific idiopathic generalized epilepsy subtypes."

Clinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Pediatrics

IBSET: Ethosuximide to Treat IBS (clinicaltrials.gov) - P2 | N=162 | Completed | Sponsor: University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand | Active, not recruiting ➔ Completed

Trial completion • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Pain

A CASE OF CLASS V LUPUS NEPHRITIS REQUIRING DIFFERENTIATION FROM DRUG-INDUCED LUPUS CAUSED BY ETHOSUXIMIDE (ISN-WCN 2026) - "Prednisolone (PSL) was administered from the second week, and maintenance therapy with mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was added from the fourth week. Furthermore, the presence of nephrotic-range proteinuria is an indication for renal biopsy, which led to the diagnosis of class V LN in this case. Even when it is difficult to distinguish between DILE and SLE, if there is significant proteinuria, the possibility of LN should be considered, and prompt evaluation, including renal biopsy, should be performed."

Clinical • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Glomerulonephritis • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Lupus Nephritis • Nephrology

Patterns of Response to Treatment and Outcome of Childhood Absence Epilepsy: A Multicenter Study From Saudi Arabia. (PubMed, Pediatr Neurol) - "CAE patients in Saudi Arabian tertiary care centers demonstrate favorable outcomes, with high response rates with monotherapy. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve prognosis, as suggested by the trend toward higher recurrence rates in patients diagnosed at older ages."

Clinical • Journal • Absence Seizure Disorder • CNS Disorders • Epilepsy • Pediatrics • Psychiatry

"The cure better not worse than the illness" - lessons from ethosuximide in irritable bowel syndrome. (PubMed, Gastroenterology) - No abstract available

Journal • Gastrointestinal Disorder