Molecular pharmacology of topiramate: managing seizures and preventing migraine.

Topiramate is a neuromodulatory compound with stabilizing properties that was initially introduced for the management of partial seizures. Topiramate has been demonstrated to modify several receptor-gated and voltage-sensitive ion channels, including voltage-activated Na+ and Ca2+ channels and non-NMDA receptors. These receptors have been implicated in the pathophysiology of both epilepsy and migraine. The pharmacological mechanisms of action for topiramate that may explain its antiepileptic and migraine preventive activities will be discussed in this review. In addition, the potential relationship between the molecular activities of topiramate and its efficacy in epilepsy and migraine prevention will be emphasized.