Cenobamate is a novel antiseizure medication (ASM) with a dual mechanism of action. It functions by preferentially inhibiting the persistent sodium current (INaP) and acts as a positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A (GABAA) receptors. By inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, cenobamate reduces repetitive neuronal firing. Its positive modulation of GABAA receptors enhances inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain.

Cenobamate is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients. It can be used as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy in adults with epilepsy who are not satisfactorily controlled with conventional therapy. It is taken as a once-daily oral tablet and is typically started at a low dose, which is then titrated upward over time. By combining two distinct anticonvulsant mechanisms in a single molecule, cenobamate provides a new therapeutic option for patients with focal epilepsy.