Epilepsy

Question 1

Antiepileptic Drugs

Answer 1

• effects include suppressing the discharge of neurons with a seizure focus and suppressing propagation of seizure activity from the focus to other areas of the brain
• mechanisms of action include suppression of sodium (decrease the ability of nerons to fire) and calcium influx (suppress transmission of neurotransmitters), antagonism of glutamate (suppress neuronal excitation), and potentiation of GABA (decrease neuronal excitability)

Question 2

Classifications of Antiepileptic Drugs

Answer 2

• Traditional AEDs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, valporic acid, and others
• Newer AEDs include oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, zonisamide, and others

Question 3

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Answer 3

• traditional AED
• selective inhibitor of sodium channels which can stop the firing of muscular neurons which are causing the seizure
• adverse effects include nystagmus, sedation, ataxia, diplopia, cognitive impairment, etc

Question 4

Carbamazepine (tegretol)

Answer 4

• traditional AED
• woks by reducing electrical activity in the brain
• adverse effects include nystagmus, ataxia, leukopenia, anemia, birth defects, hypo osmolarity

Question 5

Valproic Acid (depakene, depakote, depacon)

Answer 5

• traditional AED
• works by increasing the amount of certain substances in the brain
• adverse effects include GI problems, liver failure, pancreatitis, etc

Question 6

Patient Teachings for Epilepsy Drugs

Answer 6

• seizure control requires rigid adherence to the prescribed regimen, make sure the patient understands this
• make sure all the possible side effects are understood by the patient