Ch: 4-Antiepileptic Drugs Flashcards
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Benzodiazepine
MOA: Enhances GABA effects (inhibitory neurotransmitter)
Indication: Acute seizures, status epilepticus
Side Effects: CNS depression, respiratory depression
Nursing Notes: IV route; monitor vitals and respiratory status closely
Mnemonic: LORa calms the storm (stops seizures fast)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Hydantoin
MOA: Stabilizes neuronal membranes by affecting sodium channels
Indication: Seizure prevention
Side Effects: Gingival hyperplasia, CNS depression, rash
Nursing Notes: Give IV slowly in NS only; highly protein-bound; teratogenic
Mnemonic: PHENY the gums grow—watch those teeth!
Phenobarbital
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Barbiturate
MOA: Enhances GABA, depresses CNS
Indication: Seizure control
Side Effects: Drowsiness, dependency, vitamin deficiencies
Nursing Notes: Long half-life; pregnancy category D
Mnemonic: PHENO chills the brain—long & strong
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Iminostilbene
MOA: Blocks sodium channels; enhances GABA
Indication: Seizures
Side Effects: CNS depression, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Nursing Notes: Monitor liver
enzymes; teratogenic
Mnemonic: CARB crashes the waves—check the liver
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Valproate
MOA: Increases GABA, blocks sodium channels
Indication: Generalized seizures, bipolar
Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, teratogenic
Nursing Notes: Monitor liver function
Mnemonic: VAL the pro liver checker—watch those labs
Valproic Acid (Depakote)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Valproate
MOA: Increases GABA, blocks sodium channels
Indication: Generalized seizures, bipolar
Side Effects: Hepatotoxicity, pancreatitis, teratogenic
Nursing Notes: Monitor liver function
Mnemonic: VAL the pro liver checker—watch those labs
Gabapentin (Neurontin)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: GABA analog
MOA: Exact MOA unknown; may affect calcium channels
Indication: Partial seizures
Side Effects: Sedation, ataxia
Nursing Notes: Used as adjunct
Mnemonic: GABA gives balance—walk carefully
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Miscellaneous AED
MOA: Blocks sodium channels
Indication: Partial seizures
Side Effects: Severe rash, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Nursing Notes: Titrate slowly
Mnemonic: LAMps cause rashes—start slow
Topiramate (Topamax)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Miscellaneous AED
MOA: Blocks sodium channels, enhances GABA
Indication: Adjunct for seizures
Side Effects: Weight loss, cognitive issues
Nursing Notes: Encourage hydration
Mnemonic: TOP student loses weight, forgets homework
Diazepam (Valium)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Benzodiazepine
MOA: Enhances GABA
Indication: Seizures, anxiety, muscle spasms
Side Effects: Sedation, respiratory depression
Nursing Notes: Can be used IV for status epilepticus
Mnemonic: DIAz melts away tension
Midazolam (Versed)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Benzodiazepine
MOA: Potentiates GABA
Indication: Sedation, procedural amnesia, seizures
Side Effects: Amnesia, respiratory depression
Nursing Notes: IV only; ICU/OR use
Mnemonic: MIDAmnesia before procedures
Flumazenil (Anexate)
Class, MOA, Indication, Side Effects, Nursing Notes
Class: Benzodiazepine antagonist
MOA: Reverses benzo sedation
Indication: Benzo overdose
Side Effects: Seizures (in chronic users)
Nursing Notes: Use cautiously; short half-life
Mnemonic: FLU antidote for benzo blues
