Anticonvulsants

Question 1

What are seizures

Answer 1

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain causing sudden muscle contractions that happen without conscious control

Question 2

How to anticonvulsants work

Answer 2

Decrease excitability or action potential of the brain
Reduce speed of nerve impulse conduction
Depress NS

Question 3

What is the goal of treatment

Answer 3

Raise seizure threshold
Limit toxin effects
Maintain quality of life
Maintain compliance

Question 4

Other uses for anticonvulsants

Answer 4

Migraines
Headaches
Psychiatric disorders
Neuropathic pain

Question 5

Barbiturates

Answer 5

CNS depressant
Reduce RAS impulses
Slow nerve or muscle activity
Long a

Question 6

Benzodiazepines

Answer 6

CNS depressant
Action unknown but acts on hypothalamus and limbo system

3 drugs approved for seizure drugs

Adverse rxns: hypotension and SOB

Question 7

Hyantoin

Answer 7

Regulates sodium levels in motor synapses
Treatment of grand mall seizures, status epilepticus, neuralgia and migraines
Causes overgrown gums

Question 8

Drugs included in hyantoin anticonvulsants

Answer 8

Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Valorous acid

Question 9

Succinamides

Answer 9

Interactions with bone marrow suppressants

Question 10

GABA drugs

Answer 10

Depress electrical charges in the brain

Choice of drug may depend on type of seizure