Epilepsy Flashcards
What are the MHRA warnings for anti-epileptics
- Risk of suicidal thoughts
- Some anti-epileptics should not be switched between different manufacturers products.
What are the category 1 drugs?
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Primidone, Phenobarbital
What does category 1 mean
They need to be maintained on a specific manufacturers brand.
What is anti-epileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
Rare and potentially fatal syndrome that is associated with some anti-epileptics
What drugs are associated with anti-epileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Primidone, Phenobarbital, Laccosamide, Lamotrigine, Oxecarbazepine and Rufinamide (cat 1 and LLOR)
When do symptoms show of anti-epileptic hypersensitivity syndrome?
Usually start between week 1 and 8 of exposure and can be fever, rash and lymphadenopathy
Withdraw drug immediately, do not restart and seek expert advice immediately.
What are the main interactions associated with anti-epileptics?
Complex and may cause toxicity without added anti-epileptic effect
Caused by hepatic enzyme induction or inhibition, displacement from protein binding sites is not usually a problem.
How do you withdraw an anti-epileptic drug?
Avoid abrupt withdrawal especially in barbituates and benzodiazepines.
In the case of barbituates it can take months. (primidone, phenobarbital)
How long can you not drive for if you have one single isolated seizure?
6 months
How long must a patient be seizure free for or established pattern so they can drive again?
1 year
If the patient has had seizures whilst being awake but now only has them when they are asleep, how long must this happen for so they can drive again?
Establish the pattern for 3 years
How long can a patient not drive for if they have a medication change or withdrawal?
6 months
if a patient has a seizure whilst their medication has changed or withdrawn, how long must they go without driving?
1 year (if medication restarted and they remain seizure free it may be considered after 6 months)
What are the first and second line anti-epileptics for focual seizures?
First line: Lamotrigine or Levetiracetam
Second line: Carbamazepine, Oxcarbazepine, Zonisamide
Got to take 2 L’s to get you focused COZ
Whats the first and second line for tonic clonic seizures
1st: Sodium Valproate
2nd: Lamotrigine or Levetiracetam
Whats the first and second line for absence seizures
1st: Ethosuximide
2nd: Sodium Valproate
Whats the first and second line for absence and another seizure
1st: Sodium valproate
2nd: Lamotrigine or Levetiracetam
Whats the first and second line for myoclonic seizures
1st: sodium valproate
2nd: Levetiracetam
Whats the first and second line for Atonic seziures
1st: sodium valproate
2nd: Lamotrigine
Whats the first and second line for tonic seizures
1st: sodium valproate
2nd Lamotrigine
What other two anti-epileptics can be used in tonic seizures?
Carbamazepine and Vigabatrin
Whats the definition of Status epilepticus
A seizure lasting for longer than 5 minues
Whats the different treatment options for Status epilepticus depending on where you are?
In the community: Buccal Midazolam 10mg or Rectal diazepam 10-20mg
If resus facilities available: IV lorazepam 4mg
if the seizure doesn’t stop within 5-10 minutes then give another dose
What do you give if the status epilepticus seizure fails to respond after 2 benzodiazepine doses?
Give Levetiracetam, Phenytoin, Sodium valproate