Antiseizure Medication

Question 1

Name 5 Classes of antiseizure medication:

Answer 1

1. Benzodiaepines
2. Barbiturates
3. Hydontioin
4. Phenytoin-like drug
5. Succinimide

Question 2

Name 2 drugs in Benzodiazepine class

Answer 2

1. Ativan

2. Valium

Question 3

Mechanism of action for Benzo

Answer 3

Change action of GABA

Question 4

What do benzo’s Tx?

Answer 4

Short-term seizures

Question 5

Adverse effects for Benzo

Answer 5

1. PNS reaction
2. Drowsiness
3. Respiration depression

Question 6

Name 1 medication in Barbiturate class

Answer 6

Luminal

Question 7

Mechanism of action for barbiturate

Answer 7

Changes action of GABA

Question 8

Barbiturates Tx…?

Answer 8

Seizures

Question 9

Adverse effects for barbiturates

Answer 9

1. Dependence
2. Drowsiness
3. Vitamin deficiency

Question 10

RN Implication for barbiturates

Answer 10

1. Last resort medication
2. Monitor liver & kidney fxn
3. Pregnancy D class

Question 11

Name 1 Rx in Hydontoin class

Answer 11

Dilantin

Question 12

Mechanism of action for Dilantin

Answer 12

Desensitizes Na+ channels

Question 13

What does Dilantin Tx?

Answer 13

Epilepsy except absence seizures

Question 14

Adverse effects for dilantin

Answer 14

1. CNS depression
2. Gingivial Hyperplasia
3. Hypotension

Question 15

RN Implications for dilantin & Teaching

Answer 15

1. Monitor blood
2. Monitor kidney & liver fxn
3. Report excessive bleeding
4. Maintain good oral hygeine

Question 16

Name 2 pheytoin-like meds

Answer 16

1. Depakene

2. Depakote

Question 17

Mechanism of action for Depakote

Answer 17

Desensitizes Na+ channels

Question 18

What does Depakote Tx?

Answer 18

Absence seizures

Question 19

Adverse effects of depakote

Answer 19

1. Visual disturbances
2. Ataxia
3. Vertigo
4. GI upset

Question 20

RN Implications for depakote

Answer 20

1. Avoid alcohol & Smoking
2. Rebound seizures occur if stopped abruptly
3. Take c food

Question 21

Name 1 medication from Succinimide class

Answer 21

Zorantin

Question 22

Mechanism of action of Zorantin

Answer 22

Suppresses CA+ influx

Question 23

Zorantin Tx what?

Answer 23

Absence seizures

Question 24

Adverse effects for Zorantin

Answer 24

1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Lethargy

Question 25

RN Implication & Teaching

Answer 25

1. Pregnancy C 2. Severe mental depression 3. Take c food

Question 26

Seizures are clinically detectable sign of epilepsy

Answer 26

1. Abnormal or uncontrolled neuronal discharges in the brain 2. Affect: a. Consciousness b. Motor activity c. Sensation 3. Symptom of an underlying disorder

Question 27

What is the definition of epilepsy

Answer 27

Epilepsy is a disorder that results from the surges in electrical signals inside the brain, causing recurring seizures

Question 28

Convulsion

Answer 28

Involuntary violent spasm of large muscles

Question 29

Known causes of seizures or epilepsy

Answer 29

1. Infectious disease 2. Trauma 3. Metabolic disorder 4. Vascular disease 5. Pediatric disorder 6. Neoplastic disease

Question 30

Epilepsy

Answer 30

Seizures occurring chronically

Question 31

Classification of epilepsy

Answer 31

1. Partial= 1 side of the brain 2. Generalized=both sides of the brain 3. Special epileptic syndrome

Question 32

Pregnancy & Epilepsy

Answer 32

1. Antiseizure medications decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives 2. Most antiseizure Rx are pregnancy category D

Question 33

Status Epilepticus

Answer 33

1. Considered a medical emergency | 2. Continuous seizure activity, which can lead to coma & death

Question 34

Choice of seizure med depends on

Answer 34

1. Type of seizure 2. Pt Hx * Dx studies 3. Associated pathologies

Question 35

Once medication is selected

Answer 35

1. Pt is placed on low initial dose 2. Gradually increased 3. If seizure activity remains, different medication added in small increments

Question 36

Antiseizure pharmacotherapy goal

Answer 36

Suppress neuronal activity enough to prevent abnormal or repetitive firing

Question 37

Antiseizure medication mechanism of action

Answer 37

1. Stimulating influx of Ch- 2. Delaying an influx of Na+ 3. Delaying an influx of Ca++

Question 38

W/D from antiseizure medication

Answer 38

1. Seizure free for @ least 3 years 2. W/D gradualy over several months 3. Resume medication if seizures return 4. Rebound seizures may occur