What type of medication is commonly prescribed to manage seizures in pediatric epilepsy?

Anticonvulsants are the primary class of medications used to manage seizures in pediatric epilepsy. These drugs work by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, thereby preventing seizures from occurring. They can either help to increase the threshold for seizure activity or decrease the excitability of the neurons, making them less likely to discharge abnormally.

The use of anticonvulsants is based on the specific type of epilepsy and the individual child's medical history, as different anticonvulsants may be more effective for certain seizures than others. Common examples of anticonvulsants used in pediatric patients include ethosuximide, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and valproate, among others.

In contrast, antidepressants are primarily used to treat mood disorders, antipsychotics are indicated for certain psychiatric conditions, and stimulants are often prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). None of these classes directly address seizure management, which highlights why anticonvulsants are the appropriate choice for treating pediatric epilepsy.