Antiepileptic Drugs

Question 1

Antiepileptic drugs

Answer 1

may cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Question 2

Phenytoin

Answer 2

antieptileptic drug
-AE: is gingival hyperplasia (overgrowth of gums), encourage pt to increase oral care
-Therapeutic drug levels are 10-20

Question 3

Phenytoin given IV

Answer 3

-irritates veins
-dilute in normal saline
-must use filter to prevent particles going inside body
-infuse slowly, directly into a large vein through venous catheter w/ a 20 gauge or higher

Question 4

Gabapentin

Answer 4

second/third gen antiepileptic drug
-most often used to treat neuropathy (weakness/pain from nerve damage)

Question 5

Pregabalin
(Pree-ga-buh-lin)

Answer 5

2nd/3rd generation antiepileptic
-Used for neuropathic pain

Question 6

What test should be done before giving antiepileptic drugs

Answer 6

-Liver studies and complete blood count
-Obtain baseline vital

Question 6

Oral forms of antiepileptics

Answer 6

-Take regularly at the same time every day
-do NOT stop abruptly
-If the patient is NPO for a procedure contact the doctor regarding antiepileptic dosages

Question 7

Patient teaching for antiepileptics

Answer 7

Teach the patient at the therapy is a long-term and lifelong there is no cure

Question 8

What are the adverse effects of antiepileptic drugs

Answer 8

-Mental status changes
-Eye/vision problems
-Sore throat/fever check WBC for infection
-High risk for suicide especially at the start of taking his medication