Anticonvulsants (36) Flashcards
SUMATRIPTAN: Nursing Considerations
- PO: swallow tablets whole, take as soon as symptoms appear
- Transdermal: apply to dry intact skin, discard after folding in half
- Onset 10 minutes to 2 hours, peak 10–20 minutes
- Ingestion of tyramine-containing foods (pickled products, beer, preservatives, chocolate) and caffeine may precipitate headaches
- Not to be used for more than 3–4 migraines per month
- Rx; Preg Cat D
SUMATRIPTAN: Side Effects
- Burning, tingling
- Dizziness, numbness
- Flushing
- MI
- Hypo/hypertension
- Throat and nasal discomfort
- Vision changes
- Abdominal discomfort
- Weakness, myalgia
- Chest tightness, pressure
SUMATRIPTAN: Purpose
Acute treatment of migraines
VALPROATE, VALPROIC ACID: Nursing Considerations
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal after long-term use; discontinue gradually to prevent convulsions
- May be given with food to decrease GI irritation
- Monitor for suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Rx; Preg Cat D
VALPROATE, VALPROIC ACID: Side Effects
- Sedation, drowsiness, dizziness
- Mental status and behavioral changes
- Prolonged bleeding time
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn
- Hepatotoxicity
- Pancreatitis
- Rash
- Hypo/hypertension
- Visual disturbances
- SIADH
- Dyspnea
VALPROATE, VALPROIC ACID: Purpose
Management of seizures, prophylaxis of bipolar disorder and migraine
TOPIRAMATE: Nursing Considerations
- Give without regard to meals
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal after long-term use; discontinue gradually to prevent seizures and status epilepticus
- Do not crush or chew
- Use caution with hazardous activities until stabilized
- Increase fluid intake to prevent formation of kidney stones
- Notify provider immediately if experiencing periorbital pain or blurred vision
- Wear medical information tag
- Rx; Preg Cat C
TOPIRAMATE: Side Effects
- Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue
- Impaired concentration/memory
- Nervousness, speech problems
- Nausea, weight loss
- Vision problems
- Ataxia
- Photosensitivity
- Behavior problems, mood problems
- Anorexia
TOPIRAMATE: Purpose
Management of seizures, prophylaxis and treatment of migraines
PREGABALIN: Nursing Considerations
- Take around the same time every day, 2–3 times daily; full therapeutic effects may require 4 weeks
- Do not crush or chew
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal after long-term use; discontinue gradually
- Avoid use with alcohol
- Use caution in potentially hazardous activities
- May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Rx; Preg Cat C
PREGABALIN: Side Effects
- Dizziness, tiredness, weakness
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Flatulence, bloating
- Mental status and behavioral changes
- Lack of coordination
- Increased appetite, weight gain
- Back pain
- Angioedema
- Blurred vision
- Tremor, twitching
- Hypoglycemia
PREGABALIN: Purpose
Treatment of neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia
PHENYTOIN: Nursing Considerations
- PO: take divided doses, with or immediately after meals, to decrease adverse effects
- IV administration may lead to cardiac arrest—have resuscitation equipment available; never mix in IV with any other drug or dextrose
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent convulsions
- Do not use antacids or antidiarrheals within 2 hours of med
- Use caution with hazardous activities until stabilized
- Wear medical information tag
- Rx; Preg Cat D
PHENYTOIN: Side Effects
- Drowsiness, ataxia
- Nystagmus
- Blurred vision
- Rash
- Hypotension
- Lethargy
- GI upset
- Gingival hypertrophy
- Depression
- Urine discoloration
- Thrombocytopenia
- Hyperglycemia
PHENYTOIN: Purpose
Management of seizures