Topiramate

**Semantic type:** Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** A sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide with anticonvulsant property. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, topiramate antagonizes kainate/AMPA subtype of the glutamate receptors, which are ligand-activated cation channels that mediate the fast component of excitatory postsynaptic currents in neurons of the central nervous system. This antagonistic action results in stabilizing hyper-excited neural membranes, inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing, and decreasing propagation of synaptic impulses, thereby impedes seizure occurrences. In addition, this agent augments gamma-aminobenzoic acid (GABA) activity and thereby attenuating GABAnergic inhibitory transmission.

**Synonyms:** - TOPIRAMATE - Topamax - beta-D-Fructopyranose, 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-, Sulfamate