Anti-epileptic Flashcards
1
Q
mechanism of antiepileptic meds
A
too much electrical activity in the brain; several categories of seizures
two main: partial/focal, generalized
2
Q
anti-epileptic medications
A
slow down CNS
phenytoin carbamazepine lamotrigine valproic acid levetiracetam
abrupt cessation is cause for a seizure
3
Q
levetiracetam
A
“LOVE” b/c it has less side effects
4
Q
phenytoin
A
narrow therapeutic index; “keep pheny b/w 10 and 20”
side effects: gingival hyperplasia "fin gums" hirsutism skin rash vitamin D and K interference teratogen
IV infiltration causes purple glove
5
Q
valproic acid
A
take w/food to avoid GI upset
hepatotoxic; monitor LFTs and watch for JAUNDICE
6
Q
lamotrigine
A
“go low and slow with lamotrigine” dosage
side effect:
stevens-johnson rash (fatal)
7
Q
epileptic pt given benzo for…
A
status epilepticus = seizure that will not stop
depresses CNS
