In the described treatment approach, which drug class is used to rapidly control ongoing seizures?

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Rapid termination of ongoing seizures relies on drugs that quickly boost inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. Benzodiazepines do this by allosterically enhancing GABA-A receptor activity, increasing the frequency of chloride channel openings and thus speeding up neuronal inhibition. This produces a rapid anticonvulsant effect, making IV benzodiazepines (like lorazepam, diazepam, or midazolam) the first-line choice for acute seizure control, including status epilepticus. They act quickly and are effective at stopping ongoing convulsions, with later steps to prevent recurrence using longer-acting anticonvulsants. Barbiturates also enhance GABA but are generally reserved for refractory cases due to greater sedation and cardiorespiratory depression. Antidepressants and antihistamines do not provide the rapid anticonvulsant action needed to halt active seizures.