Drugs That Treat Epilepsy Flashcards
How does Levetiracetam work?
It binds to the surface of the vesicles in the brain which contain neurotransmitters, and may inhibit some of the release of neurotransmitters to the neuron.
It may also stop hyper synchronised electrical releases.
How does Phenytoin work?
This is mainly used for the treatment of tonic clonic seizures and complex partial seizures.
It works by reducing electrical conductance between brain cells, and by stabilising the inactive state of voltage gated sodium channels.
Sodium channels are co-transporters which facilitate the movement of neurotransmitters.
How does lamotrigine work?
It blocks sodium channels that facilitate the movement of neurotransmitters.
It also reduces the flow of glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter).
How does Topirinate work?
It increases GABA (a natural brain chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals).
It is mainly prescribed for tonic clonic and partial seizures.
How does Tegretol work? (Carbamazepine)
It blocks sodium channels (which offer the facilitation of neurotransmitter movement).
How does Valproic acid work?
This includes drugs such as Depakote, Depakene and Valrelease.
Valproate affects the sodium channels in the brain which helps prevent the release of abnormal brain signals.
Valproic acid increases GABA, a natural chemical that stops or slows down other brain signals.
Valproate is usually prescribed for complex partial or complex absence seizures, but it had many other utilities.
What are the common side effects of Antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) medication?
Nausea
Drowsiness
Confusion
Dizziness
Skin rash/ severe allergy
Weight gain
Liver damage
Altered white blood cell/ platelet counts and function.
How does diazepam affect a person with epilepsy when being weaned off it?
It should be reduced slowly as if I blocks GABA sites which can cause seizures if too fast.
How does diazepam affect a person with epilepsy when being weaned off it?
It should be reduced slowly as if I blocks GABA sites which can cause seizures if too fast.
How does diazepam affect a person with epilepsy when being weaned off it?
It should be reduced slowly as if I blocks GABA sites which can cause seizures if too fast.
