In the present study a series of hydrazone derivatves (III, IIIa, IV) were synthesized and characterized by their spectral data and screened for anticonvulsant properties against seizures induced by maximal electroshock (MES) and toxicity screening. The purity of the newer compounds was checked by m.p. and TLC analysis. The structures of these compounds were established on the basis of their spectral (FT-IR, 1H-NMR) data analysis. These newly synthesized derivatives of phenytoin were evaluated in terms of anticonvulsant activity. Some of the investigated compounds showed significant anticonvulsant activity. Some of these may be chosen as a prototype for development of new anticonvulsants.