Which class of medications is used to terminate a seizure?

• A. Benzodiazepines
• B. Barbiturates
• C. Antidepressants
• D. Antipsychotics

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how seizures are stopped quickly. To terminate a seizure fast, you want a drug that rapidly enhances inhibitory signaling in the brain. Benzodiazepines do this by boosting the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, which increases chloride flow into neurons and dampens neuronal firing. When given promptly—especially intravenously—they act quickly, making them the first-line option for stopping seizures and for managing status epilepticus.

Barbiturates also enhance GABA, but they tend to cause deeper sedation and more breathing suppression, so they’re usually reserved for later steps or refractory seizures rather than the initial termination. Antidepressants and antipsychotics aren’t used to stop seizures acutely; they’re for other conditions and can even affect seizure thresholds or have unwanted interactions during a seizure event.

So, benzodiazepines are the best choice for terminating a seizure due to their rapid onset, strong GABAergic enhancement, and favorable safety profile in the acute setting.