Anticonvulsants FOR BIPOLAR

Question 1

What are the anticonvulsants?

Answer 1

1. Valproic acid
2. Valproate
3. Depakote
4. Divalproex

Question 2

What are the anticonvulsants effective in tx for?

Answer 2

1. bipolar mania
2. Hypomania
3. Mixed states
4. Rapid cycling

Question 3

What are the side effects of these anticonvulsants?

Answer 3

1. GI pain
2. Tremors
3. Sedation
4. Hair loss
5. Weight Gain
6. Blood dycrasias
7. Hepatotoxicity
8. Pancreatitis

Question 4

What is the therapeutic level for these anticonvulsants?

Answer 4

85-125

Question 5

Signs of toxicity with these meds?

Answer 5

1. ataxia
2. confusion
3. somnolence
4. coma

Question 6

What is Carbamazepine effective in tx of?

Answer 6

1. Rapid cycling
2. Mixed states
3. Acute mania
4. Prevents relapse of mania

Question 7

What are the side effects of Carbamazepine?

Answer 7

1. Hepatic disease
2. blood dycrasias
3. fluid overload
4. hyponatremia
5. life threatening term reactions (SJS)

Question 8

What does carbamazepine decrease the effectiveness of?

Answer 8

birth control pills

Question 9

What is the therapeutic level for carbamazepine?

Answer 9

4-12

Question 10

What are the signs of toxicity with carbamazepine?

Answer 10

1. fatigue/nausea
2. Diplopia
3. Blurred vision
4. Ataxia

Question 11

What is Lamotrigine effective in tx of?

Answer 11

1. bipolar depression
2. Both acute and maintenance

Question 12

What are the SERIOUS side effects of lamotrigine?

Answer 12

1. Steven johnson syndrome
2. Aseptic meningitis
3. lowers effectiveness of brith control

Question 13

Why do we monitor for stiff neck for someone taking lamotrigine?

Answer 13

aseptic meningitis