Central Nervous System Flashcards
What are the symptoms of dementia?
Memory loss
Difficult thinking
Psychiatric/behavioural problems
Language issues
What are the 3 acetylcholinesterase inhibitors used for mild-moderate alzheimers disease?
- Donepezil
- Galantamine
- Rivastigmine
Which acetylcholinesterase should be stopped at the firsts sign of a skin rash (SJS)?
Galantamine
Which drug is used in moderate-severe alzheimers disease?
Memantine
What are some examples of cholinergic side effects?
Remember DUMB BELLS
Diarrhoea
Urination
Muscle weakness
Broncho-spasms
Bradycardia
Emesis
Lacrimation
Salivation/sweating
What is there an increased risk of when patients with dementia are given antipsychotics?
Increased risk of stroke and death
Must be started on a low dose and titrated upwards
Which antipsychotics are recommended in dementia patients?
IM haloperidol, or risperidone
Olanzapine
Which anti-epileptics have a long half life, and are hence given ONCE a day?
Phenytoin
Lamotrigine
Perampanel
Phenobarbital
What are the 1st and 2nd line drug treatments for focal (partial seizures)?
1st: lamotrigine or levetiracetam
2nd: carbamazepine
What are the 1st and 2nd line treatment options for tonic-clonic seizures?
1st: valproate
2nd: lamotrigine, levetiracetam
What are the 1st and 2nd line treatment options for absence seizures?
1st: ethosuximide or valproate
2nd: lamotrigine
What are the category 1 anti-epileptic drugs, and what does this mean?
Remember CP3
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone
These must be prescribed by brand and are not interchangeable
What are the category 2 anti-epileptic drugs, and what does this mean?
Remember TVLC
Topiramate
Valproate
Lamotrigine
Clonazepam
These can be switched between them, based on patient needs and clinical judgement
What are the category 3 anti-epileptic drugs, and what does this mean?
Remember GLP
Gabapentin
Levetiracetam
Pregabalin
These are not necessary to be prescribed by brand
What can sudden withdrawal of anti-epileptic drugs cause?
Severe rebound seizures
How long should epileptic patients not drive for if they have had an unprovoked or single isolated seizure?
6 months
How long should patients wait till they can drive again once they have been initially diagnosed?
1 year
Which category of anti-epileptics can cause the highest risk of teratogenicity?
Category 1
Which anti-epileptic can cause cleft palate in the first trimester?
Topiramate
Which anti-epileptic drugs are enzyme inducing, and hence effective contraception is needed?
(Remember CRAPPSS)
Carbamazepine
Phenytoin
Phenobarbital
Why are newborns given a vitamin K injection once they are born?
To reduce the risk of neonatal haemorrhage
Which anti-epileptic drugs are present in high amount in breast milk?
Remember ZELP
Zosinamide
Ethosuximide
Lamotrigine
Primidone
Which 2 anti-epileptic drugs are at risk of accumulating in an infant if a mother is breastfeeding, and why?
Phenytoin and lamotrigine, because the infants metabolism is slower
What are the symptoms of hypersensitivity syndrome associated with category 1 anti-epileptics within the first 1-8 weeks of starting treatment?
Rash
Fever
Lymphadenopathy
Systemic side effects
Which specific side effect should patients report if they are on any anti-epileptic?
Must report signs of suicidal behaviour/thought, or mood changes
Which anti-epileptic medications need to be reported if signs of infection/blood dyscrasias/bruising/bleeding occurs?
Remember C VET PLS
Carbamazepine
Valproate
Ethosuximide
Topiramate
Phenytoin
Lamotrigine
Zonisamide
Why should patients report signs of raised intra-ocular pressure with topiramate?
Because there is a risk of acute-closure glaucoma associated with topiramate
Which specific side effect are patients taking gabapentin mostly at risk of?
Risk of severe respiratory depression
Which anti-epileptic is an enzyme inhibitor?
Sodium valproate
What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin?
Binds to neuronal sodium channels and prolongs inactivity
What is the therapeutic plasma range of phenytoin?
10-20mg/L
Which form of phenytoin is its active form?
Free phenytoin (not when it is protein bound)
Why should clinicians monitor protein concentrations in a patient taking phenytoin?
Because phenytoin is highly protein bound, so patients with hypoalbuminaemia must be cautioned with as they have a risk of toxicity
What are the symptoms of phenytoin toxicity?
Remember SNAtCHED
Slurred speech
Nystagmus (eye rolling)
Ataxia (lack of muscle co-ordination)
Confusion
Hyperglycaemia
Diplopia (blurred vision)
Which form of phenytoin contains phenytoin sodium, and phenytoin base?
Tablets: phenytoin sodium
Liquid: phenytoin base
What are some side effects of phenytoin?
Coarsening of facial features
Acne
Gingivial hyperplasia
Rash (REPORT)
Infection/unexplained bruising (REPORT)
What are some symptoms associated with phenytoin induced hepato-toxicity?
Dark urine
Abdominal pain
Jaundice
Itchy skin
What parameters should be measured with phenytoin?
FBC
LFTs
ECG
BP
What is fosphenytoin and how is it given?
It is a prodrug of phenytoin which can be rapidly given IV or IM and has fewer site reactions compared to phenytoin
Which drugs can lower the seizure threshold when given with phenytoin?
TCAs
Tramadol
Quinolones
Mefloquine
What is the therapeutic range of carbamazepine and when are plasma levels measured?
4-12mg/L, measured 1-2 weeks after 1st dose
What are the symptoms of carbamazepine toxicity?
Inco-ordination
Ataxia
Nystagmus
Arrhythmia
Blurred vision
GI sid effects
What is their an increased risk of if carbamazepine is given with e.g. SSRIs, diuretics, NSAIDs or TCAs?
Hyponatraemia
How long is a prescription for sodium valproate valid for, and what is the max days of supply?
Prescription is valid for 7 days, and a max. of a 30 day supply is legally allowed.
What are examples of a highly effective contraception method as part of the PPP?
Either a copper IUD/sterilization, or use of 2 other forms e.g. barrier + pill
What symptoms should patients on sodium valproate report immediately?
Hepatotoxicity signs
Blood dyscrasias
Pancreatitis
What is status epilepticus and how is it managed?
It is a compete loss of consciousness + seizure lasting for >5 minutes.
Iv lorazepam is given
Which 2 benzodiazepines are short-acting?
Lorazepam and oxazepam
Which drugs are used to help with anxiety?
Benzodiazepines
Beta-blockers for e.g. palpitations
Buspirone
TCAS
How do benzodiazepines work?
They work by enhancing the binding of GABA to their receptors, hence increasing depressant/inhibitory effects
What are some side effects of benzodiazepines?
Hostility aggression
Overdose risk (resp. depression, coma)
Sedation
How should benzodiazepines be gradually withdrawn?
Equivalent dose of diazepam should be converted and titrated over.
What are the 1st and 2nd treatment options for ADHD?
1st: methylphenidate
2nd: lisdexamfetamine
What schedule drug is methylphenidate?
CD2
What are some side effects of methylphenidate?
Weight loss
Increased HR/BP
Growth restriction i children
Which condition is contraindicated for the use of most CD2 drugs?
CVD
What side effects can atomoxetine cause?
Suicidal ideation
Hepatotoxicity
QT prolongation
Which drugs are used to treat an acute episode of bipolar disorder?
Benzodiazepines
Antipsychotics - QOR (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone)
Haloperidol
What is the therapeutic range for lithium? What about during an acute manic episode?
0.4-1mmol/L normally
0.8-1mmol/L during an acute manic episode
How often should lithium plasma levels be measured?
12h after first dose or 1 week after dose changes, every 3 months for the 1st year, then every 6 months thereafter
What monitoring is required if a patient is taking lithium?
Renal function
TFTs
BMI
ECG
FBC
Electrolytes (esp. Na+)
What are the symptoms of lithium toxicity?
Renal impairment
Visual disturbances
CNS disturbances
GI side effects
What are some counselling points that should be mentioned to a patient taking lithium?
Report signs of hypothyroidism
Report signs of renal dysfunction
Report signs of benign intracranial hypertension
What can hyponatraemia cause in a patient taking lithium?
Can cause lithium toxicity
What should you always tell a patient who is taking lithium in terms of fluid and electrolytes?
Must maintain adequate salt/water intake, to avoid products with electrolytes e.g. dioralyte, and to always carry lithium alert card
Which drugs can prolong QT interval?
Amiodarone
Lithium
Quinolones
Macrolides
SSRIs
Why is imipramine avoided in patients with dementia?
Because it has the most anticholinergic properties
Why is fluoxetine recommended in younger people?
Because there is less risk for suicide
How long so SSRIs usually take to work?
At least 2 weeks
Why are MAO inhibitors rarely used for depression?
Because they have dangerous food/drug interactions