Which of the following is considered an antiepileptic drug among the listed options?

Which of the following is considered an antiepileptic drug among the listed options?

• A. Lorazepam (Ativan)
• B. Baclofen (Lioresal)
• C. Carbidopa/Levodopa (Sinemet)
• D. Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Answer: (A)

Antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) drugs reduce the brain’s excessive electrical activity to prevent or stop seizures. Lorazepam fits this use because it’s a benzodiazepine that boosts GABA's inhibitory effect in the brain, quickly dampening neuronal firing. This makes it effective for acute seizure control and status epilepticus, and it’s commonly used as a rescue medication in settings like long-term care. The other drugs have unrelated primary uses: baclofen treats muscle spasticity via GABA-B mechanisms, carbidopa/levodopa treats Parkinson’s disease, and fluoxetine is an antidepressant.

Antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) drugs reduce the brain’s excessive electrical activity to prevent or stop seizures. Lorazepam fits this use because it’s a benzodiazepine that boosts GABA's inhibitory effect in the brain, quickly dampening neuronal firing. This makes it effective for acute seizure control and status epilepticus, and it’s commonly used as a rescue medication in settings like long-term care. The other drugs have unrelated primary uses: baclofen treats muscle spasticity via GABA-B mechanisms, carbidopa/levodopa treats Parkinson’s disease, and fluoxetine is an antidepressant.