Effects of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and a combination of both on corazol-induced changes in the bioelectric activity of rat brains.

Combined forms of epileptic seizures are known to require combinations of antiepileptic drugs for their management. This study investigated the effects of such a combination consisting of phenobarbital and carbamazepine (mixed in the 1:4 ratio) as well as the effects of each component used separately on the Corazol-induced bioelectrical brain discharges. The effects were studied in a group of rats that received only a single dose of the drugs, as well as in a group that underwent 14-day anticonvulsant treatments. The bioelectric activity of the brain was recorded using an EEG method. In a single dosage, the combination of phenobarbital and carbamazepine was found to be more effective than its components. The decrease of Corazol-induced discharges was more pronounced in a single administration of the combination than when it was applied repeatedly. Development of a cumulative effect was observed in respect to carbamazepine action on the Corazol-induced discharges.