Drugs that reduce or prevent the severity of epileptic convulsions or seizures (see EPILEPSY). The nature of the fit, and the patient's reaction to it, influences the type of anticonvulsant prescribed. Anticonvulsants inhibit the high level of electrical activity in the brain that causes the fit. Among regularly used anticonvulsants are carbamazepine, sodium valproate, clonazepam, lamotrigine, gabapentin, vigabatrin, and topiramate. Older drugs such as phenytoin and primidone remain useful in some patients. Intravenous anticonvulsants, such as diazepam, are used for rapid control of epileptic status.