Anti-epileptics for non-epileptic indications

Antiepileptics are wonder drugs. They act through diverse mechanisms and affect multiple systems. Over a period of time they were tried over numerous conditions with significant impact. They have shown to be equally effective for both CNS and non-CNS conditions. Carbamazepine has been used in trigeminal, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and bipolar disorder. Valproate has worked marvelously in bipolar disorder and mania. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) analogs have been successful in countering the tricky neuropathic pain. Topiramate has shown significant anti-craving property in alcohol and smoking addiction. Lamotrigine in bipolar disorder, primidone in essential tremors, phenytoin as an antiarrhythmic, the list is never ending. Here is a review article of anti-epileptics in various conditions other than epilepsy.