Phenobarbital is a barbiturate medication meaning it acts as a depressant that decreases the activity in the brain cells (neurons). The decrease in central nervous system activity is what reduces the frequency of seizures.

It is relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and has been found to be effective in treating 60 to 80 percent of the cases of dog and cat epilepsy.

Diazepam (Valium) has many uses in both dog and cat care. It is commonly used as an appetite stimulant and anti-depressant, as well as a medication to control continuous seizure activity called status epilepticus or cluster seizure behavior.

Potassium bromide (KBr) is one of the traditional anticonvulsants used to treat canine and feline epilepsy. It can be used together with phenobarbital, or if a cat or dog cannot tolerate phenobarbital, it can be used alone to control seizures. A big benefit of potassium bromide is that it does not seem to affect the liver. For dogs or cats suffering from liver complications, potassium bromide is a good alternative epilepsy medication.

In 1993, felbamate was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for epilepsy treatment in humans. At the same time, it was prescribed as an extra-label drug by veterinarians for the effective treatment of seizures in dogs and cats.

Felbamate can be used together with phenobarbital or potassium bromide without causing additional sedation.

Sold under the brand name Felbatol, felbamate is generally used when other types of anticonvulsant drugs have not been successful.