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Specialist Studies 2 > AEDs > Flashcards

AEDs Flashcards

1
Q

What are drugs used to treat epilepsy called?

A

Anti-epileptics

The term anticonvulsant is also used.

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2
Q

What is the primary aim of pharmacological treatment for epilepsy?

A

Minimize seizure activity/frequency without producing adverse drug effects.

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3
Q

What factors should be considered before starting treatment for epilepsy?

A
  • Have seizures occurred – history, investigations
  • Identify type or types of seizure
  • Identify cause of seizure
  • Classify the type of epilepsy
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4
Q

What is the benefit of starting an antiepileptic drug after the first seizure?

A

Reduces the chance of a second seizure.

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5
Q

What is a seizure?

A

A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

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6
Q

What is epileptogenesis?

A

The process by which a normal brain becomes epileptic.

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7
Q

What are the two main types of neurotransmitter receptors?

A
  • Ionotropic
  • Metabotropic
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8
Q

What is the role of glutamate in the CNS?

A

It is an excitatory neurotransmitter that allows ion influx upon activation.

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9
Q

What ions are glutamate receptors permeable to?

A
  • Na+
  • K+
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10
Q

What is GABA?

A

An inhibitory neurotransmitter.

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11
Q

What are the two major subtypes of GABA receptors?

A
  • GABAA - post-synaptic receptors
  • GABAB - pre-synaptic receptors
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12
Q

What is the mechanism of action of antiepileptic drugs?

A

Inhibit rapid, repetitive neuronal firing during seizures.

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13
Q

What are the three established mechanisms of action for antiepileptic drugs?

A
  • Inhibition of ionic channels involved in neuronal excitability
  • Inhibition of excitatory transmission
  • Enhancement of GABA mediated inhibition
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14
Q

What drug is used to block T-type calcium channels?

A

Ethosuxamide.

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15
Q

Which antiepileptic drug is indicated for all forms of epilepsy except absence seizures?

A

Phenytoin.

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16
Q

What is a significant adverse effect of phenytoin?

A

It has a narrow therapeutic index.

17
Q

What is sodium valproate commonly used for?

A

All forms of epilepsy, often first choice in idiopathic generalized epilepsies.

18
Q

What important consideration must be taken when prescribing sodium valproate to females?

A

Its teratogenic effects.

19
Q

What are the adverse effects of vigabatrin?

A
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Depression
  • Visual hallucinations
20
Q

What is the mechanism of action of lamotrigine?

A

Blockade of neuronal sodium channels and inhibiting the release of excitatory amino acids.

21
Q

What is the most common adverse effect of benzodiazepines?

A

Sedation.

22
Q

True or False: Gabapentin is widely used compared to other traditional agents.

A

False.

23
Q

What are the therapeutic notes regarding the use of barbiturates?

A

They are effective but can lead to sedation and respiratory depression.

24
Q

Fill in the blank: The drug _______ is known for its ability to modulate calcium channels.

A

Pregabalin.

25
Q

What is an orphan drug for Dravet’s syndrome?

A

Stiripentol.

26
Q

What class of drugs may be used as adjunctive treatment for refractory focal epilepsy?

A
  • Eslicarbazepine
  • Lacosamide
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Perampanel
  • Pregabalin
27
Q

What is the mechanism of action of retigabine?

A

Modulator of potassium channels.

28
Q

What is the therapeutic note regarding felbamate?

A

It is a drug of last resort for intractable epilepsy.

29
Q

What is a potential complication of sudden withdrawal from phenytoin?

A

Status epilepticus.

30
Q

What is the likely diagnosis for a patient with repeated episodes of clonic limb movements?

A

Epilepsy

This is a common condition characterized by recurrent seizures.

31
Q

What immediate medication could be used to treat a patient with epilepsy experiencing clonic movements?

A

Benzodiazepines

Examples include lorazepam or diazepam.

32
Q

What long-term medication could be considered for managing epilepsy?

A

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)

Common options include lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or valproate.

33
Q

What considerations should be made for a patient of childbearing age with epilepsy?

A

Teratogenic risks of medications

Certain AEDs can pose risks during pregnancy, requiring alternative treatments.

34
Q

What is the diagnosis for an 18-month-old with generalised clonic movements and a rectal temperature of 40°C?

A

Febrile seizure

Febrile seizures are common in young children during high fever.

35
Q

What action should be taken for a child experiencing a febrile seizure?

A

Ensure safety and monitor

Protect the child from injury and observe the duration of the seizure.

36
Q

What has happened to the woman with epilepsy who increased her phenytoin dosage and developed nystagmus and ataxia?

A

Phenytoin toxicity

This occurs when drug levels exceed the therapeutic range.

37
Q

What is the drug of first choice for treating partial seizures?

A

Carbamazepine

This medication is often used as a first-line treatment for partial seizures.

38
Q

What side effects would be anticipated with carbamazepine?

A

Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea

Other side effects may include ataxia and rash.

Specialist Studies 2 (10 decks)

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