Methods for treating or preventing a seizure in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one D-amino acid or D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor are provided. In certain aspects, the method reduces the frequency, severity, and/or duration of one or more seizures in the subject. In particular aspects, at least one D-amino acid is administered to the subject before an onset of a seizure, during a seizure, or after a seizure to prevent further seizures. In certain aspects, at least one D-amino acid is administered to the subject prophylactically to prevent the occurrence of a seizure. In more particular aspects, the seizure is caused by epilepsy.
