Drugs

Question 1

What is Ethosuximide used for?

Answer 1

absence seizures

*sux to have absence seizures

Question 2

How do benzodiazepines work?

Answer 2

they bind to GABA receptors and increase the number of times the Cl- receptors open

**increase GABA transmission

Question 3

What are benzodiazepines used for?

Answer 3

anxiety *no longer first line
alcohol withdrawal
status epilepticus
general anesthesia
spasticity

Question 4

Toxic effects of benzos?

Answer 4

can cause CNS and respiratory depression if taken w other depressants
dependance issues

Question 5

How to treat benzo OD?

Answer 5

flumazenil

**competitive agonist at GABA BZ receptors

Question 6

How does phenytoin work?

Answer 6

increases Na+ channel activation

Question 7

What is phenytoin used for?

Answer 7

simple, complex, tonic-clonic seizures (first line), status epilepticus

Question 8

What is carbamazepine used for?

Answer 8

first line for simple, complex, and tonic-clonic seizures

Question 9

What is valproic acid used for?

Answer 9

simple, complex. absence, myoclonic, and first line for tonic-clonic seizures; also used for bipolar disorder

Question 10

When should phenytoin and valproic acid be avoided?

Answer 10

during pregnancy!

Question 11

This drug is safer in pregnancy, but can cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Answer 11

Lamotrigine

Question 12

How do barbiturates work?

Answer 12

they increase GABA-A action by increasing the duration of time that the Cl- channel is open - decreases neuron firing

**barbiDURAtes