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BLOCK POSTING > EPILEPSY DRUGS > Flashcards

EPILEPSY DRUGS Flashcards

1
Q

What is epilepsy? A chronic disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal

A

synchronized brain activity.

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2
Q

What percentage of patients achieve seizure control with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)? 60-70% achieve adequate control with appropriately chosen AEDs.

A
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3
Q

When are antiepileptic drugs indicated? When two or more seizures occur within a short interval (6 months - 1 year).

A
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4
Q

What are common seizure triggers? Fatigue

A

stress

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5
Q

What are the two major types of seizures based on etiology? Primary (idiopathic) and secondary (symptomatic

A

due to an identifiable cause).

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6
Q

What is the mechanism of seizure generation? An imbalance between excitation (glutamate

A

Na+

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7
Q

What is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain? Glutamate.

A
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8
Q

What is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS? GABA.

A
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9
Q

What are narrow-spectrum antiepileptics? Drugs effective mainly for focal and secondary generalized seizures (e.g.

A

phenytoin

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10
Q

What are broad-spectrum antiepileptics? Drugs effective for both focal and generalized seizures (e.g.

A

valproate

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11
Q

What is the mechanism of action of phenytoin? Blockade of Na+ and Ca2+ channels

A

reducing excitatory transmission and potentiating GABA.

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12
Q

How is fosphenytoin different from phenytoin? Fosphenytoin is a water-soluble prodrug suitable for IV or IM use in status epilepticus.

A
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13
Q

What are indications for phenytoin? Partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

A

and status epilepticus (slow IV infusion).

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14
Q

What are common adverse effects of phenytoin? Gingival hyperplasia

A

hirsutism

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15
Q

What is carbamazepine primarily used for? Partial seizures and tonic-clonic seizures; also used for bipolar disorder and trigeminal neuralgia.

A
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16
Q

What are the main adverse effects of carbamazepine? GI upset

A

hyponatremia

17
Q

What is sodium valproate effective for? A broad-spectrum AED for all types of epilepsy

A

including generalized tonic-clonic

18
Q

What are major side effects of sodium valproate? GI upset

A

weight gain

19
Q

What is the primary indication for ethosuximide? Absence seizures

A

especially in children.

20
Q

What is the mechanism of action of ethosuximide? Selective inhibition of T-type Ca2+ channels in thalamic neurons.

A
21
Q

What are common side effects of ethosuximide? GI distress

A

fatigue

22
Q

What is phenobarbital’s mechanism of action? Potentiates GABA-A receptor activity

A

prolonging Cl- channel opening and reducing excitability.

23
Q

What is phenobarbital used for? Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

A

partial seizures

24
Q

What are adverse effects of phenobarbital? CNS depression

A

cognitive impairment

25
Q

What is topiramate used for? Partial

A

generalized tonic-clonic

26
Q

What are major side effects of topiramate? Cognitive dysfunction

A

weight loss

27
Q

What is the primary mechanism of lamotrigine? Blocks Na+ channels and inhibits release of excitatory amino acids (glutamate

A

aspartate).

28
Q

What is lamotrigine commonly used to treat? Partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures

A

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

29
Q

What serious side effect is associated with lamotrigine? Steven Johnson syndrome (severe skin reaction).

A
30
Q

What is levetiracetam’s unique mechanism? Binds to SV2A protein to modulate neurotransmitter release and stabilize neuronal activity.

A
31
Q

What are indications for levetiracetam? Partial-onset

A

generalized tonic-clonic

32
Q

What is the treatment approach for status epilepticus? Initial benzodiazepine (lorazepam or diazepam)

A

followed by phenytoin or phenobarbital if needed.

33
Q

What is the preferred approach to AED therapy? Monotherapy

A

as it reduces adverse effects and drug interactions.

34
Q

When can AED therapy be discontinued? After 2+ years of seizure freedom

A

with a favorable prognosis (single drug

35
Q

What precautions are needed when AEDs are used during pregnancy? Use the lowest effective dose

A

supplement with folate

36
Q

What AEDs are typically considered safe for breastfeeding? Carbamazepine

A

phenytoin

BLOCK POSTING (18 decks)

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