Anti-Epileptic drugs

Question 1

Anti-epilepsy drugs

Answer 1

Sodium valproate, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, ethosuximide

MoA - Na+ channel blockers

Ethosuximide (Ca2+ channel blocker)

Indications - Epilepsy

Adverse effects - Nausea, blurred vision

Interactions - Macrolide antibiotics

Question 2

Benzodiazepines

Answer 2

Lorazepam, midazolam, diazepam, zolpidem (BDZ-like)

MoA - GABA PAM (γ-subunit). Enhanced effects of GABA

Indications - Epilepsy, acute seizures

Adverse effects - drowsiness, dependence

Interactions - sedatives

Question 3

BDZ antagonist

Answer 3

Flumazenil

MoA - antagonises GABA signalling

Indications - Reversal of BDZ sedation

Question 4

Barbiturates

Answer 4

Phenobarbitone, pentobarbitone, primidone

MoA - GABA PAM (β-subunit)
Enhanced effects of GABA

Indications - Epilepsy, acute seizures

Adverse effects - drowsiness, fainting

Interactions - sedatives, anti-coagulants