Abstract
Epilepsy has been linked to psychiatry for more than a century and a half. Over the past few decades, serendipitous discoveries have shown the efficacy of some antiepileptic drugs with certain mental disorders. As such, a new age seems to be born in neuropsychiatry. In this paper, the authors summarize the main hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs on neurotransmission (glutamate and GABA pathways), and on neuronal ionic channels (Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chlorine). Moreover, the main positive effects on mood, sleep, anxiety, addictions observed under these drugs are listed. On the other hand, the potential psychiatric side effects (depression, stress, psychotic disorders, impulsivity) induced by antiepileptic drugs are also reviewed. Finally, the authors comment on the use of antiepileptic drugs in the curative and the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorders.
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