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Fatty acid derivative anticonvulsants appear to increase the availability of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. They have several mechanisms of action. They have inhibitory action against GABA transaminase, which breaksdown GABA. This leads to increased concentration of GABA in the synapses. Other proposed mechanisms of action that account for their anticonvulsant properties is they either enhance the action of GABA or mimic its action at postsynaptic receptor sites. They also block voltage gated sodium channels and T-type calcium channels, and cause inhibitory activity in the brain.

Fatty acid derivatives are broad-spectrum anticonvulsant drugs, which are effective against most types of seizures. They can be used to treat absence seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and complex partial seizures.