Anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers
Seizures, mood and nerve pain
Epilepsy, bipolar disorder, nerve pain and migraine prevention — often several of these at once.
Calms overactive electrical signalling in the brain, each drug by a slightly different route.
The 8 anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers in the PTCB Top 200
| Generic | Brand | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Gabapentin | Neurontin | nerve pain, seizures |
| Lamotrigine | Lamictal | seizures, bipolar |
| Topiramate | Topamax | seizures, migraine prophylaxis |
| Pregabalin | Lyrica | nerve pain, fibro, seizures |
| Levetiracetam | Keppra | seizures |
| Valproate | Depakote / Depakene | seizures, bipolar, migraine |
| Carbamazepine | Tegretol | seizures, trigeminal neuralgia |
| Lithium | Lithobid / Eskalith | bipolar disorder |
Tap any generic name for its full drug guide — brand↔generic, side effects, interactions and the exam tip.
What to know for the exam
- check_circleGabapentin and pregabalin are the gabapentinoids, used mostly for nerve pain.
- check_circlePregabalin is a Schedule V controlled substance; gabapentin is federally uncontrolled but scheduled in some states.
- check_circleLamotrigine must be titrated slowly because of a serious rash risk.
- check_circleLithium needs regular blood-level monitoring and steady salt and fluid intake.
Valproate and carbamazepine are contraindicated in pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects.
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic index — level monitoring is the point tested.
Drill anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers the way the PTCE asks them
RxReflex groups the Top 200 drugs into classes like this one, then quizzes you on brand↔generic, class, side effects and interactions. Plus a guided Learn path, pharmacy math and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.
Frequently asked
What drugs are in the anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers class? add
Gabapentin, Lamotrigine, Topiramate, Pregabalin, Levetiracetam, Valproate, Carbamazepine, Lithium. All are in the PTCB Top 200.
What are anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers used for? add
Epilepsy, bipolar disorder, nerve pain and migraine prevention — often several of these at once.
How do anticonvulsants & mood stabilizers work? add
Calms overactive electrical signalling in the brain, each drug by a slightly different route.
Last reviewed August 7, 2026. For education only — not medical advice. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the PTCB.